Richard Arthur Soper

Richard Arthur Soper, age 80, a longtime resident of Sayville, passed away on June 13, 2026.

Richard was born on August 3, 1945 in Rockville Centre, to the late Arthur and Evelyn Soper, and grew up in Wantagh. He graduated from Wantagh High School and soon after met his future wife, Christina Rosner. They were married on May 25, 1969, following Richard’s time in the U.S. Army. They made their home in Sayville, where they raised two sons and built a life together.

Richard earned an associate degree in business from Nassau Community College and worked at New York State Parks & Recreation for nearly 30 years. Later in life he proudly earned his Real Estate License.

Throughout his life, Richard loved music and baseball. He played the trombone and guitar, and especially enjoyed listening to The Beach Boys. Richard also loved to be out in nature. He enjoyed camping, visiting national parks, and for years looked forward to his annual hunting trip with family and friends. In addition, Richard and his wife enjoyed bowling, and were part of a local bowling league for several years.

Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a humble man who always put other’s needs before his own. He was a role model for his sons, and was well respected by his coworkers, peers, and any who knew him.

Richard is survived by his sons, Brian Soper and his wife, Jennifer, and Keith Soper and his partner, Nanci; his grandchildren Zachary, Benjamin and Rebecca; his brother Kenneth Soper and his wife, Jeanne; and many extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife Christina Soper.

Family will receive visitors on Friday, June 19th from 11 a.m. – 12 pm. At Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home 245 Montauk Highway West Sayville. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honor Richard’s memory to spend time outdoors, enjoy music with loved ones, support veterans, and support cancer research to find a cure and prevent it from happening to others.