Richard leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 62 years, Josephine, his daughters: Josephine (George) Schiazza, Caroline (Mark) Pantaleo, Patricia (Michael) Riley, Charlotte Fragale, Frances (Dave) Glanville; his siblings: Elizabeth (Jack) LeNoble, Wilhelmina Vermaas, Tineke Van Donsalaar, Hans (Hilda) Beek; and many nieces and nephews, 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father,
and friend to all.
Richard was educated in Amsterdam, Netherlands with a Ships Engineer Degree in 1943 from K.V.S. He served in the Dutch Merchant Marines during WWII and ran the mine fields off the coast of Europe and the gulf of Saipan, Singapore. He worked for KLM at Schipol Airport as a Technical Assistant and constructed the first airplane maintenance dock in Europe. Richard retired as Plant Engineer from Gray-Syracuse Inc. after 25 years. He was a member of the Skaneateles Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon, elder, and on the building committee. Richard was a founding member of the Skaneateles Sailing Club. He enjoyed sailing, flying model airplanes, playing guitar, and traveling with his wife to Europe, Scandinavia, Indonesia,
and throughout the USA.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Dad, we love you!
Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 28, from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home Skaneateles. A celebration of his life memorial service will be at the Skaneateles Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 29 at 11am. Donations may be made to the Skaneateles Presbyterian Church, The Centers at St. Camillus and the Disabled American Veterans.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.