Richard Placente | Eastern North Carolina Now

November 11, 1941 - August 5, 2020
    Richard Placente, age 78, a resident of Chocowinity, NC, died Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at his home in Cypress Landing with his wife, Grace Placente, and their daughter, Carolyn Placente.

    A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Oakdale Cemetery located at 180 E 15th St., Washington, NC 27889 and will be officiated by Fr. Michael Schuetz.

    Richard Placente was born in Rosario, Argentina on November 11, 1941. He came to New York with his mother and brother in 1955, where they were reunited with his father who had come to the United States in 1950 to plants the seeds of a bright future for his family. Richard served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1968. Richard met his beautiful wife in 1961. They were married in August of 1964. They enjoyed 56 years of married life together. They welcomed their daughter into their lives in 1971. Richard was a devoted and loving husband and father, always gentle, caring, and kind, as well as a loyal, hardworking, and thoughtful provider. He completed two Master's Degrees, a Master of Arts in International Law and a Master's in Education. He served as a dedicated educator for the New York City Board of Education for over 30 years. He filled the role of Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He was also a key leader and champion for New York City's pioneering bilingual education programs. He made a positive difference for many thousands of children and their families over the course of his career. In 2001, Richard and Grace retired to Cypress Landing in Chocowinity, NC. Over their 19 years in North Carolina, Richard made many close ties and continued to find ways to serve his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Beaufort County Concert Association. He also taught English as a second language and reading for Literacy Volunteers of Beaufort County and worked tirelessly with Eagle's Wings helping to promote food access for underserved families of Beaufort County. He was an avid reader and a deep thinker who delighted in well-reasoned debate. He enjoyed travel, boating, art, theater, photography, and woodworking and was an active member of the Woodies Club of Cypress Landing. He was an accomplished do-it-yourselfer and gardener and leaves behind a legacy of love and beauty for his adoring wife.

    Richard Placente is survived by his wife, Grace Placente, of Chocowinity, NC. He is also survived by their daughter, Carolyn Placente and her two children, his Grandaughter, Cherise Jenkins, and Grandson, Dylan Jenkins, and their father, Josh Jenkins of Inverness, CA.

    Richard's father, Richard Placente Senior, his mother, Margaret Placente, and his brother John Placente welcome him in Heaven.

    Flowers are appreciated and may be sent to Paul Funeral Home, 900 John Small Ave., Washington, NC 27889, or memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

    Condolences may be addressed to the family by mail at 100 Rappahannock Circle, Chocowinity, NC 27817 or online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Placente family.