Richard noticed that there were no sports programs for disabled kids in his community. Together with a friend, Mike McDaniel, the father of a disabled child, they decided to organize a very special baseball game. 60 kids responded to the first game. Now there are over 300 children participating in the league. As co-founder and director of the “Buddy Ball Sports League,” Richard is the spokesperson and fundraiser for the league.

Richard Louis DeFeo, of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, peacefully left this world on Friday, September 7, 2018. “He would truly do anything for those he held dear, perhaps most publicly evidenced by his work with the families of Buddy Ball Sports League, an organization he co-founded. Buddy Ball gave challenged children the opportunity to experience softball, bowling or other sports when paired with another child compensating for their disability. The pure joy and friendships that resulted Buddy Ball were absolutely awe-inspiring.”