Richard John Mikilitus, 85, most recently of Mooresville, North Carolina, and formally of Kearny and Harrison New Jersey, passed away on October 6, 2026.

Born on September 1, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, Richard grew up in Kearny, where he played soccer at Kearny High School. He began working at UPS at the age of 17 and spent 31 years with the company, raising his family in Harrison, before he retired at 48. He then settled in Pennsylvania, a place he loved for the rest of his life, and later moved to Mooresville to be closer to family. 

Richard loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing, trapping, and gold panning. He followed hockey and soccer, spent his winters in Florida, and above all, treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Judith DeRocker Mikilitus, and by his children, Dr. Richard Mikilitus Jr. (Hilary Mikilitus) and Debra Wettreich (Dr. Herb Wettreich). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Connor Mikilitus, Jordan Craig (Scott Craig), Riley Mikilitus, Julia Wettreich, Dylan Mikilitus, and Adam Wettreich, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Mikilitus; his mother, Gertrude Mikilitus; and his older brother, Joseph Mikilitus

No funeral services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later time.

Care of the Mikilitus Family has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.