Peter Rij

Peter Rij, of Maplewood, New Jersey passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at the extraordinary age of 96. Peter was born on June 15, 1925 in Ukraine to father, Theodore, and mother, Katherine. As the youngest of six, he led a challenging yet adventurous life, often reliving some of his favorite memories through storytelling with his grandchildren. With a strong work ethic and desire to build a more prosperous future for his family, he set his sights on Argentina, before finally traveling to and establishing his roots in New Jersey. Peter could usually be found surrounded by his lush, beautiful garden, with a Ballentine in hand. He loved listening to the sounds of his 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren playing, nurturing his favorite cats, a good old fashioned BBQ chicken on the grill, and relaxing mid-day nap. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Nick, Basilio, Mike, John and sister Maria, his beloved wife of 62 years, Stefania, and son in law Jim Harrigan. He is survived by his daughters Helga and Elizabeth, son John (Linda); grandchildren Mark (Sabrina), Catherine (Rich), Claudia (Steve), Jim (Lilibeth), Michael (Cami), Jamie (Charles), Chris (Brittany); great-grandchildren Delaney, Steffy James, Scott, Luca, Drake, Hayes, Conor Jameson, Atlee (& more expected this year); nephews Herman and Eugene; as well as a voluminous list of beloved family, neighbors and friends. A visitation for Peter is planned for Monday, August 16, 2021 at Union Funeral Home-Lytwyn & Lytwyn from 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, the life of Peter Rij can be honored with a donation to Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit organization that operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals; giving cats second chances and loving homes.