Obituary of Richard P. Salzman

Richard Salzman, longtime South Orange resident, died May 2, 2019 from complications of heart disease.  This was not the death he had envisioned.  His plan for when he became too crotchety to enjoy life was to take up sky diving but only with the old equipment. Known for his eccentric wit, hands-on ability to make just about anything (his potato canon was famous), Richard was the neighborhood Pied Piper, delighting his own son Nathaniel and all the local children.  He shared his time and talents with his neighbors and was beloved by all.

Born on May 7, 1942 to Edna and Milton Salzman, Richard grew up in South Orange and studied at Rutgers. After exploring circus life, he worked mainly as a freelance construction contractor and jack-of-all-trades repairman. He married Debora Pitman, a lawyer, in 1988 and was the proud father of Nathaniel Salzman of southern Maryland. In addition to his wife and son, Richard is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Denburg and Linda Gottlieb.

The family will be receiving guests from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday May 6 at Preston’s Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange, followed by a 2:00 p.m. funeral at Preston’s.