Ipswich - Richard J. Benirowski, passed away on March 21, 2023, at the age of 100 at the home of his daughter Joann and his son-in-law Peter Lampropoulos, surrounded by his family. His courage and grace in his final days was true to how he lived his life — with quiet humility, deep faith, and boundless strength.

Richard grew up with his beloved parents John and Stella (née Laskowski) Benirowski and three siblings near Salem Harbor and across from the House of Seven Gables where he later became a busboy as a young teen. His Polish heritage was a strong influence in his life. He mastered the language and practiced many traditions that he passed along to his family.

Of all the many facets in his life, Richard's family was the most important. His wife Antonia "Toni" was the love of his life and his two daughters, Joann and Jayne, were the apples of his eye. He was a caring brother-in-law to Toni's sister Priscilla and a fatherly presence for his dear niece, Sharon. He took great pride and joy in his grandchildren Sarah, Katie, Ryan and Jaclyn and great-grandchildren Chloe and Ben. His memory will live in their hearts always.

In 1947, Richard and his wife Antonia added to local history when they started the iconic Riverview Restaurant. Thanks to their devotion to their customers and to the creation of delicious pizza, the Riverview quickly became a celebrated landmark in the Ipswich community and beyond, still serving generations of families. Richard and Toni retired after 38 years and the Riverview's legendary reputation lives on as his legacy today.

Richard honorably served our country during World War II in the United States Navy. Attaining the rank of Aviation Radioman Second Class, he supported multiple combat missions in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a rear gunner in SB2C Helldiver aircraft. He was forever proud of his service and that of his shipmates. Members of the Greatest Generation, may their many selfless sacrifices to keep America free never be forgotten.

Richard was a star athlete on the basketball court, baseball and football fields. His passion for sports continued with the Ipswich Chiefs baseball team and most notably the semi-pro Polish Falcons basketball team where he formed lifelong friendships with his teammates. He always reminisced about his time with the Falcons with a sparkle in his eye.

Richard was a devoted sports fan, with a special love for basketball. He loved the ocean, scuba diving and woodworking. He loved the Celtics, the Sox and the Pats. He had a passion for completing puzzles with his "puzzle buddies". But family always came first, and his favorite pastime was spending time with them, sharing advice and telling stories of days gone by.

Richard was a gentle and deeply humble man who will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, his community, and his faith. He will be loved and missed forever.

He is survived by two daughters, Joann Lampropoulos and her husband Peter of Ipswich, Jayne Canty of Danvers; four grandchildren, Sarah Bastille Haberman and her husband Matthew of Brookline, Katherine Bastille DeFrank of Ipswich, Ryan Canty of Medford, Jaclyn Canty of Danvers; two great grandchildren, Chloe and Benjamin DeFrank and a niece, Sharon Spittle of Ipswich. He was the brother of the late John Benirowski formerly of NY, Wanda Sobocinski formerly of Salem and brother-in-law of the late Priscilla Spittle formerly of Ipswich.

His funeral will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2023 from the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich followed by the celebration of a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Church, Pineswamp Road, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Interment with Naval Honors will then be held in the Highland Cemetery, Town Farm Road, Ipswich. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Disabled American Veterans, DAV.org or Care Dimensions, Ste. B-102, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. For directions and or to leave a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com