Ronald L. & Richard W. Syarto

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of two brothers, Ronald L. Syarto and Richard W. Syarto.

Ronald Louis Syarto, 71, of Hawthorne, NY, passed on August 5, 2021, after a brief, but difficult battle with pancreatic cancer; two days shy of his 72nd birthday.

Ron graduated from Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, CT in 1968. He then joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country on the USS Forrestal (CV-59) from 1968-1972.

Ron was a family man, equally as devoted as a father as he was a loving partner to Cathy. He had a sharp sense of humor and relished cooking for and hosting family and friends in his home. His great love for music led him to become a talented musician, mastering the guitar and drums. Beyond being a musician, Ron involved himself with other hobbies such as bike riding, walking, reading, cars, or fiddling with the latest technology.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever” – A. A. Milne

Richard W. Syarto, 68, of Leesburg, Florida passed away peacefully on September 20, 2021.

Rick was an intelligent, creative, and sensitive soul. Like his older brother, Ron, he had a talent for music. He taught himself to play the guitar and the flute and played in local bands.

He became a self-taught luthier and in the early ‘80s, he started Richelieu Guitars with his father in Bridgeport, CT. He became an original guitar builder for the Fender Custom Shop in Corona, California, known for his meticulous work designing and building guitar necks, especially for well-known musicians who requested his work. Generations of the Syarto family will also treasure the precious heirloom guitars he crafted for them. We will miss Rick’s generous and free spirit, taking comfort knowing he is now free from pain.

Ron and Rick remained close to their loved ones despite physical distances and always brought smiles and laughter to others with their laid-back demeanor and quick-witted humor.

Ronald will be lovingly remembered by his sons Joshua Syarto, of CT, and Ryan Syarto, of NY; his partner of 26 years, Catherine Torrieri, of Hawthorne, NY; her daughters, Lisa Williams (Drew), of NY, and Christina McNerney (Rob), of NY; as well as his grandchildren Matthew, Gianna, and Evan.

Both brothers will be greatly missed by their sister, Lauren Syarto McInally (Tom), of CA; their brother, Stephen Syarto (Marilyn), of CT; their nephew Connor Syarto, and nieces, Lindsey Penikas (Andrius), Erin Flizack (Frank), Kathryn Hardey (Patrick), and Chloe Syarto; their aunt, Carole Syarto, of CT; their cousins, Sharon De Rosa and James Syarto, of CT.

Ron and Rick are predeceased by their parents Louis W. and Jean Reel Syarto, as well as their grandparents, Joseph and Katherine Slamek Syarto, and Sherman and Fietta Strauser Reel.