Fairport: September 11, 2016. Dick Allison (his family call him Rick) came into this world as a fighter and left this world as a fighter. His parents, Dick and Bev Allison were expecting their first child mid September 1952. Their son, Richard H. Allison had other plans (he was always stubborn) and entered the world on July 14 1952– more than two months premature, weighing in at 3 lbs. 9 oz. His aunt Barbara Peters was the nurse on duty when he was born and the first person to lay eyes on him. They had a special bond his entire life. The Allison’s welcomed his sister Robin in January 1955. As a child, Dick was always busy and very inquisitive. He started taking apart everything he could get his hands on at a very young age – no doubt a precursor to the many talents he had. There literally wasn’t anything he could not do (plumbing, electric, tile, drywall, HVAC, automotive, technology, you name it!). He was always there for his family and friends when they had a project that needed to be done–although they may tell you he was better at taking things apart than putting them back together! Scouting was a big part of Dick’s childhood. He started as an Indian Guide at the age of four, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. When his mother asked him why he liked scouting so much, he told her it was because he loved camping. He went to Camp Massawepie each summer with his dad. Dick always talked about the camping trip he made to Philmont Scout Ranch with his Uncle Charles Peters and his cousins David and Robert Peters. His love of camping continued as an adult when he introduced his son Bradley to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains on many occasions. Dick’s only child, Bradley, was born December 14,1991. Much like his father, Bradley was full of energy and attitude. Dick had the energy to match his son’s and gladly participated in Brad’s many activities: scouting, camping, skiing, soccer, and the most time-consuming of all: hockey. Dick even started playing hockey himself, something he enjoyed very much for a number of years. Now that Brad is an adult, he and his father still enjoyed their time together, watching local bands, planning the Music Festival and knocking around the Village together. Dick adored his grandmother, Helen “Ghee” Chapman (as did the entire family) and she adored him. He was fortunate to enjoy the relationship with his grandmother until the ripe old age of 96. Ghee had a home in Seabreeze (a couple of houses down from Marges) where generations of memories were made. Dick and his sister Robin were very close with their cousins David (Laurie) Peters, Elizabeth Peters, and Robert (Chaan Capps) Peters. When everyone started having children, Dick was happy to include Elizabeth and Peter Mason, David Joseph, Jenny and Dale Peters, Kayla Jaconette and Ambrielle Peters together with his son Brad in his fond memories. Dick was incredibly creative which led him to a career as an architect. He studied at Alfred and graduated from Syracuse University in 1977 #goorange. After a brief stints at Genesee Brewery and Carrier, he joined Eastman Kodak where he worked until 2005. Since then, he has been with the New York State Dormitory Authority, working there until just two weeks ago. Dick lived in the Village of Fairport since 1988 – a community he embraced and loved. He was well-known and liked throughout the village. He and his son Brad enjoyed frequenting the Village’s “watering holes”and tipping a few back with his buddies. #donnellys #mullys #vi #fairportbrewery. As usual, it wasn’t just fun and games for Dick. He worked tirelessly and passionately with the team from the Fairport Music Festival – an event that has raised over $1,000,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital. A discussion of Dick’s life would not be complete without mentioning his lifelong friend – Stan Goodwine. Those two have been through it all together – the good – the bad–and the very ugly!! Most importantly, Stan was at his side every step of the way for Dick’s last battle, providing unwavering help, encouragement, and support. Stan was a treasure that Dick was able to allow in when he couldn’t let others. Dick’s family could not be more grateful to Stan. Another angel on earth during Dick’s fight was his cousin David Peters. David made numerous trips to Fairport from Florida to guide, support and sometimes knock some sense into his cousin. He came up for the Fairport Music Festival that meant so much to Dick and was back again holding an all night vigil and being a rock for his family the last day. Dick left the world as he came into it. He fought his disease privately, with intense determination and will. As it ravaged his body, he battled on–never giving up like the warrior that he was. RIP Dick Allison
Calling hours Friday, September 16, 2016 5-8 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, Egypt Location, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, where a Service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2016 2PM. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Fairport Music Festival, 4 Heatherwood Road, Fairport, NY 14450.