R. Screnci, restaurateur

SCRENCI'S Restaurant in Sea Isle City, N.J., never gave in to the winter.

"It was as crowded on Saturday nights in February as it was in the summer," said Joseph Mitchell, a Screnci-family friend. "It was extremely popular."

One reason for its popularity was the delicious Italian and seafood meals concocted by the cook and eventual owner, Richard Burke Screnci.

Richard was the son of Nicholas Screnci, longtime dining-room manager of Old Original Bookbinder's, in Philadelphia, who founded Screnci's in 1978.

Richard Screnci, who worked in the family's restaurant until it closed in 1998, then became a South Jersey real-estate broker, died Oct. 12 of complications of a heart attack. He was 53 and a former Drexel Hill resident.

He was a Realtor with Freda Real Estate, in Sea Isle City, and worked as a bartender at the Deauville Inn, in Strathmere, N.J.

Richard was a sought-after basketball official who worked high-school games in South Jersey, and was a volunteer with the Sea Isle City Recreation Department, where he even coached street hockey.

He was born in Philadelphia to Nicholas Screnci and the former Catherine Burke. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1976.

His father worked for Bookbinder's for about 30 years, until he and his wife decided to open a restaurant in Sea Isle City, where they had vacationed for years.

Bookbinder's was kind of a family affair in those days. Nicholas' brother Dominic was the wine steward for many years.

Nicholas took his knowledge of restaurant management to the shore when he opened Screnci's. One secret to the restaurant's popularity was the homey atmosphere that Nicholas and his wife maintained and their son continued.

They hung family photos on the walls, and later photos of favored customers, including former New Jersey Gov. James Florio and former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, among others.

As the owner after his parents' deaths, Richard frequently lent its premises to fundraisers for local organizations.

Richard married his childhood sweetheart, Gina Vayda, in 1980. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons: Nicholas, Richard Jr. and Jude D.; a daughter, Constance Funton; a brother, John Screnci; and a sister, Susan Mingey.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Joseph's Church, 43rd Street and Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City. Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. Burial is private.

Contributions may be made to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, 333 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood Pa., 19096.