Obituary of Richard E. Towne

Mr. Richard E. Towne, Sr., 80, of Gloversville, died Tuesday at Nathan Littauer Hospital Extended Care Facility. He was born June 4, 1926 in Amsterdam and educated in Gloversville schools. Mr. Towne was a carpenter much of his life working in the local # 146 AFL-CIO Carpenters Union. He was also employed by the Gloversville Water Department as a filtration plant operator, retiring about 15 years ago. Earlier in his life, Richard enjoyed hunting, bowling and various sports activities; he was also a member of the former Eagles Lodge in Gloversville. A devoted family man, he always enjoyed being with his family and friends at his home, which he had built. He is survived by his wife, Irene Knapik Towne, whom he married July 7, 1946; his children, William Christine Towne of Brooklyn, Daniel Margaret Towne, Sr. of Mayfield, Susan Dorman of Gloversville, Dawn Reich of Alabama, Richard Lori Towne, Jr. of Gloversville, Linda Carl Insognia of Gloversville, Mark Towne of Schoharie, Eric Bonnie Towne of Gloversville and David Towne of Gloversville. He is also survived by two brothers, Harry Clute of Mayfield and Roland Clute of Fonda and three sisters, Doris Pollack of Johnstown, Betty Briggs of Syracuse and Joan Cheney of Mayfield. Additional survivors include twenty grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Clarence Clute, and two sisters, Naomi Bruse and Shirley Miller. Funeral services will be conducted 10 am Friday at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made a charity of choice.