Squadere, Richard Sr.
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. Richard Squadere, Sr., 67, "Dick the Baker" a well-known restaurateur of Apache Junction, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 22, 2012 at Mountain Vista Medical Center from complications following surgery. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Debra Squadere. He was the son of the late Louis Squadere Jr. and Catherine (Kay) D'Agastino; a stepson of the late Victor Campagna and fond son-in-law of Jean and Edward Polch. Richard was a loving and devoted father to Richard Squadere (Bonnie), Cheryll Squadere, Carrie Squadere and Matthew Squadere (Gretchen). Richard cherished his grandchildren, Troy Tenace, Donnie Jones, Candace, Devin, Cassidy LaBuda, Madeline and Matthew Squadere. Richard is also survived by his brothers, Steve Squadere (DeAnn) and Louis Squadere III along with his sister, Karen Milkiewicz (Joe). A favorite western U.S. brother in-law to Kristine LeClair (Edward), James Snow (Jane) and Cheryl Conan (Claude). Richard will be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and Canada. Richard attended LaSalle Institute and was a graduate of Troy High School. Richard was a former employee of General Electric in Schenectady. He was also trained as a baker while employed at Lou's Pizza. Richard's family has had a long history of restaurateurs including his mom's "Famous Kay's" at Burden Lake, Averill Park, and cousin Tim's, Publik House in Malta. Richard and Debra owned and operated Woodlawn Pizza, Schenectady for 15 years before relocating to Arizona in 1993. They began a new business as owners of Desert View Mobile Homes Sales. In 2004, Richard and Debra returned to the restaurant business, opening Scuttlebutts Restaurant on the Apache Trail. Richard will always be remembered for saying, "I don't want to make a lot a money, I just want to make a great pizza." A memorial service to celebrate Richard's life is being planned for July 2013 in N.Y. Donations to Richard's favorite cause are appreciated. Checks should be payable to the Friends of Apache Junction. The memo area of the check notation: Paw & Claws, Richard Squadere. Mail checks to Apache Junction Police Department, Attn: Barbara Duft, 300 E. Superstition Blvd. Apache Junction, AZ 85119.