Cover photo for Richard Joseph Destefano's Obituary
Richard Joseph Destefano Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Richard Joseph Destefano
1968 2023

Richard Joseph Destefano

June 19, 1968 — October 13, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS - Richard Joseph DeStefano, 55, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023 at IU Health North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana. He was born on May 19, 1968 to the late Raymond Francis and Sybil Faye Centman DeStefano in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Richard received his GED from Hilltop School of Learning. He was united in marriage on May 15, 1992 to the love of his life, Tracie Wright. Richard loved his wife deeply and adored Tracie so much he couldn’t help but tell everyone about her.

Richard loved his coupons, discounts and freebies. He was thrifty and loved to buy and sell goods. Richard had a passion for running his flea market booth and organizing yard sales. He also worked for the Indianapolis Star where he sold newspapers and was even an Avon lady for awhile. Richard loved feeding people. He often took charge of potlucks, church social events and parties.

Richard was incredibly friendly, loyal and above all else a devout Christian with a heart of gold. He didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk. He lived life loud and unashamed. Richard was a half Italian, half Jewish trash picker and proud of it all. In death he still served. Richard was an organ donor, it was so natural for him to give himself away.

Richard is survived by his wife loving wife of 32 years, Tracie DeStefano; daughter, Miranda Josephine DeStefano; step-son, Anthony Wayne Abney; brother, Raymond DeStefano and his husband, Mike Amato; sister, Cathy Hopkins and her husband, Wilson; half-brothers, Corey Miller and Joey Miller and his wife, Brittney; half-sisters, Kim Miller Rodriguez and her husband, Joshua and Dawn Miller; as well as two nieces and four nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Francis DeStefano and his mother, Sybil Faye DeStefano. Richard really struggled after the death of his mother and was never really able to move on. He was also preceded in death by his oldest brother, Robert DeStefano.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with Terry Williams officiating with guest speaker Rhonda Tweedy. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 South State Road 135, Greenwood, Indiana 46143.

Richard's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

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Service Schedule

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Monday, October 23, 2023

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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