Richard W. Avenia, Long-time Montclair Resident, Dies at 81

Richard W. Avenia, a long-time Montclair resident, passed peacefully at home from natural causes on April 18, 2026. He was 81.

The only child born to Ida and William Avenia on August 15, 1944 in Greenville Texas, the family relocated at an early age to Valley Stream, Long Island where he grew up among extended family and close cousins. A budding scientist from the start, Richard participated in chemistry clubs, bike clubs, the Boy Scouts, drama club and the marching band. He spent summers at Jones Beach, Boy Scout camp and working at his father's bike shop in Harlem.

Mr. Avenia earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacology from St. John's University and went on to pursue a Ph.D. at Cornell University and an M.B.A. at Fairleigh Dickinson University. It was at St. John's University that Mr. Avenia dated and married his college sweetheart Bettine Matalavage on July 22nd, 1967. The two of them located to Nutley, New Jersey, then to Montclair, New Jersey in 1978 where they raised their three daughters and where he resided until his death.

His professional life as a clinical chemist and researcher was rooted in New Jersey's pharmaceutical corridor. He spent a significant portion of his career at Hoffmann-La Roche and other major life sciences organizations where his research produced a body of patented work. In later years he stepped back from the industry and worked as a registered pharmacist and marketing medical writer.

Outside of work, Mr. Avenia was known for his photography, his cooking, and his appreciation for cigars. He was a prankster, enjoyed terrible dad jokes and a good party. He was a lover of anisette-spiked coffee. And he had been an active member of several community organizations throughout the years including the JC's, camera clubs and the Montclair Roundtowners.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bettine Avenia; his daughters Rachel Avenia-Prol (Robert Prol), Nicole Avenia-Fritzky (Luke Fritzky), Lauren Danridge (Neale Danridge) and his three grandchildren Chloe, Abagail and Cooper, all who were his heart.

Memorial donations can be made to ALZ.org .