Obituary of Robert D. Richards

Robert D. Richards, Sr; a lifelong resident of Gloversville passed peacefully on Thursday, May 11th at Nathan Littauer Hospital surrounded by his loving family. The youngest of 4 children, "Bob" was born October 5, 1934 to Charles J. and Agnes (Brown) Richards. Graduating from Gloversville High in 1952, Bob was celebrated as a 3-star athlete lettering in basketball, football and his favorite, baseball, boasting a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers after graduation. Bob continued to play fast pitch softball in area leagues and enjoyed competition as a champion hand-ball player, league bowler and darn good pitch player. A proud American, Patriot and Veteran of the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving overseas from 1952 - 1955 on the USS Ault where he was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon, Korean Medal and United Nations Medal. Bob "circumnavigated the globe" by the age of 20. In 1954 Bob married Joan Barthe and together raised 6 spirited children in the famed "North End". Bob work his entire career for AT&T (Western Electric) retiring after 35 years. Often, he could be found at one of the local establishments encircled with friends "solving the world's issues…" In later years he enjoyed car rides, his lawn tractor, and telling stories of the "good ole days". The "Captain" is survived by his children, Karla Putman (Eric Waffle) and Lana Ruggiero (Michael) of Gloversville, Robert Jr. of Folsom California., Jed "Clampett" of Mammoth Lakes California, Tamie Fancher (Todd) of Meco and Adriene Cotugno (Kyle) of Mayfield, grandchildren Brianna Hurlbut (Steve), Ryan Putman (Kayla), Karriann Ruggiero (Mark Hine), Kristi Ruggiero (Zach Cast), Robert Ruggiero (Kara Miller), Max Jonathan Richards, Vincent, Michael & Sierra Fancher, Kylie & Korey Cotugno, great grandchildren, Michaela, Patrick, Olivia, his sister Doris LaVallo, the mother of his kids Joan ,in-laws Clara Albanese, Charlotte Young, Helen & Don Strathaus and many nieces & nephews. Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, siblings Frances (John) Petrucelli, Charles (Nancy) Richards & brother in law Anthony LaVallo. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Nathan Littauer Hospital ICU, Extended Care and Sarah along with the girls who made it possible to bring Dad home - Jennifer, Michelle, Crystal, Margie, Tessa, Becky, Sharon, & Susan. The family will receive relatives and friends from 11am to 2:00pm on Monday, May 15th at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 PM with the Rev. L. David Almleaf officiating. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Parkhurst Field Foundation, P.O. Box 706, Gloversville, NY 12078.