Richard W. dePoortere, Jr. (Rich) entered eternal peace at home with his daughter by his side on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the age of 67. He remained strong and never gave up, despite the pain of battling cancer for a decade. He was born on October 7, 1953 to Marion & Richard dePoortere, Sr., growing up in Basking Ridge and residing in South Bound Brook for the last two decades. "Rich, only in name" was a phrase he used to say when met; yet he was rich with his infectious smile and laugh, patience and eagerness to teach anyone who was willing to learn, calm nature, and sheer willpower and wisdom that will be forever remembered by those who knew him. Children would be greeted with "Gimme five" for a high-five, with a silly reaction to make them smile. His daughter was his pride and joy and he loved spending quality time with his grandson who shadowed his every move. An avid fisher since infancy, Rich loved the water, scuba diving, and spending time with family and friends on his many boats, the Emancipator I & II, and more recently crabbing with secret kept hot spots. He was a co-owner in an Amoco service station in the 1970's with his late brother. Always good with his hands, he was a successful tile installer with his own business, Depot Construction, working meticulously on many commercial and residential projects. He was a jack of all trades and everyone's "go-to" man, as he could build or fix anything put in front of him (except, as he would say, a broken heart); including custom fishing poles, woodwork and painting, a hydroplane from scratch, and restoration of motors and vehicles; most recently his father's truck. He recently worked with Forgione Landscaping, operating machinery, sharing his love of construction with his grandson. He was an unforgettable, respected man who enjoyed the simple things in life—a good steak and a Budweiser. He is predeceased by his cherished mother, Marion dePoortere, and brother, Stephen dePoortere. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kristin dePoortere-Salas, son-in-law, Anthony Salas, and joy of his life, grandson Levi Richard Salas of South Bound Brook; his dear father, Richard dePoortere Sr. of Basking Ridge; his brothers Christopher and Patrick of Bridgewater; his sisters Kathleen of Delaware and Beth of Washington state; his daughter-at-heart, who he raised as his own, Shaina Ramirez, and her two children Devin and Jaelyn Ramirez of Middlesex; and former wife and mother of his daughter, Lucille Bontempo; along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, and those who called him "Uncle Rich." Rich will be honored in a Celebration of Life and Prayer Service on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 12PM-3PM. A private repast will be held following the service. A memorial mass will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10AM at St. James Roman Catholic Church at 184 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Memorial contributions may be made in Rich's memory to Steeplechase Cancer Center in Somerville, NJ in honor of the care he received.