Richard John Kessinger

Capt. Richie Kessinger has made his final sail and was reeled into the eternal seas of heaven at the age of 91. He was born in Ridgewood, Queens, NY and lived all his adult life in the same home in Baldwin, Long Island, while wintering in Cape Coral, Florida. He is survived by his wife Louise of 69 years and his five children Richard Jr, (Jean), Stephen (Teresa), Donna (Gary), Peter, and Lorraine (Tom). He was also blessed with a fine catch of twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Capt. Richie was renowned in the fishing industry as a party boat captain on the Nautical Mile (Woodcleft Canal) in Freeport, Long Island. He began his career in the late 1950’s with the Viking fleet and then moved on with the Capt. Jack fleet. In the mid 1970’s, he became owner/operator of the Starstream and Starstream II vessels. He was fortunate to sell off his business and retire at the age of 58, to pursue his lifelong passion of fishing and spending quality time with his loving family and friends.

Please view his life story on his website at: https://sites.google.com/view/starstream-ii/home

Funeral services will be held at the Towers Funeral Home, 2681 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside NY 11572. Viewing hours will be Monday, March 30, 2026 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.

A mass of christian burial will be at 9:45 AM at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 11 Gale Ave, Baldwin NY 1150.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to his favorite charities Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org) and St.Judes Children’s Hospital. (www.stjude.org)