Richard J. Fanning

HERO COP

Captain of Detectives (Ret.) Richard J. Fanning, 77, passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 14, 2018. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield. www.higginsandbonner.com A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 10:00AM at St. Catherine’s RC Church in Hillside.

From his earliest years he wanted to continue the family tradition of service as a police officer. As soon as he was of age, he joined the Newark Police Dept. and began his storied 35-year career. He rose rapidly through the ranks and distinguished himself at every level. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, Newark's highest award for Valor, as well as numerous other awards and citations before his retirement.

He was very active in his community, always there to help a friend, serving most recently as Adjutant the of the American Legion Post 60 in Roselle Park. He was a founder and past president of the Union County Irish American Ass’n, a member of the Hillside Knights of Columbus, the Emerald Society, the Springfield Elks, SOA, PBA and FOP.

Born in Newark, he lived there before moving to Hillside in 1968.

He leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Judy (Waugh); his son, Michael and wife, Brianna of Buckeye, AZ; Brian and his wife, Julie of Haskell, and Newark Police Lt. Tim and his wife, Lorena of Union together with his three grandchildren, Amanda, Connor and Landon.  He is also survived by his brother, Edward of Springfield, his sister, Sheila White of Branchburg as well as eight nieces and nephews.

 Service Information