Passed peacefully on March 22nd. Preceded in death by parents Howard and Helen, wife Barbara (DeMitry). Survived by daughter Karen, sons Kenneth, David and Mark. Five grandchildren. Brother Don and sister Joan. Several nieces and nephews
Richard was born in Rochester New York on May 3rd 1933. He grew up on Merchants Road with his parents Howard and Helen, and siblings Don and Joan.
He attended Saint John the Evangelist School on Humboldt St and graduated from Edison Tech with training as a welder.
He served his country in both the army reserves and the army second armored division “Hell on Wheels.” He was deployed to the Czechoslovakian/German border. He returned home in a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Upon return he began working in the trades, primarily as a welder. He married Barbara DeMitry raising his family in Fairport in a home he helped build. He took pride in household projects and could never sit still.
Richard was fiercely independent and stubborn on the outside which belied his tenderness. He was fond of the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. A lover of country music and honky tonk.
He believed in hard work, living within your means and honesty. This was off-set by his tendency to be a jokester with friends.
He often spoke fondly of his former coworkers and friends at Rochester Products where he retired from.
In the last few years of his life he was fortunate to have wonderful neighbors who treated him like family.
In memory of Richard please enjoy the flowers of spring, a good country song and maybe a toast at your favorite saloon.
The family would like to thank the nurses that cared for him and allowed him to remain in his home independent to the end.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Lollypop Farm or your favorite charity.
Services will be held at St. John of Rochester in Fairport on Tuesday April 4th. Gathering in the church at 10 am Mass at 11am. Internment at White Haven Cemetery. Reception following at St. Johns.
Comments
7 responses to “Copeland, Richard”
Though I only knew Richard for a short time, it was an honor and pleasure to be a part of caring for him at home. He was always a gentleman. There are many things about him that I will remember that brought him happiness, like sitting on his porch, staying as independent as he could – he had a strong will, sipping on a cold beer, sharing his scrapbook of pictures from his military days – what a beautiful keepsake for his family.
Richard was a special man and I’m grateful to have known and cared for him. I wish you all God’s peace and comfort during your time of grief.
All my best,
Amy Adams
Brenda and I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Richard the last few years of his life as neighbors at Picture Book Park. However, Richard was much more than a neighbor, he soon became endeared to us as any family member could be. We shared so many good times, sitting on his porch and talking about everything. He always was concerned with our well being and that of our family. He was very independent and would get very frustrated when we would do things for him. I learned to just “do it” and then he would flash that big smile and give me a heartfelt “Thank you”. He loved to tease me about doing work around the house that Brenda had put on my “honey doo” list, and of course I always exaggerated the tasks so he could also tease Brenda about making me work so hard, lol.
We quickly grew to love Richard and he became so much more than a neighbor, he was family. He always said “my door is always open, come and visit anytime”, and he meant it. We shared so many great memories and will miss him dearly.
Bert and Brenda Surgoine
I am so sorry to hear of your dad s passing. Your parents were the most wonderful people. Always made me feel welcome in your home. Glad I got to meet them. I will always have a special place in my heart for them.
RIP my friend! I will always remember that smile and quick wit. The many adventures we shared. You were truly a good friend.
Dave, sorry for you and your family loss , from the comments above it sounds like you, had a nice dad. the smile and quick wit!! this sounds like you …
God Bless sending a hug.
To Richard’s family. Had a few conversations with him when out walking. We enjoyed them very much. As he always had a story. Our deepest sympathy to you and peace to all. Neighbors at PBP.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends at this sad time.