Richard W. Powers, 85 of Pittsford, NY passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023 after a brief illness.  Richard is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Kathleen Powers, beloved children; Julie (Charles) Donovan and Mark (Jennifer) Powers, grandchildren; Sean Donovan, Jack Powers and Ava Powers; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Tom Miller; several nieces and nephews and loving friends.

Richard W. Powers (Dick) was born on June 26, 1937 in Rochester, NY. He is predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth Powers and sister, Jean B. Powers. 

His early years were spent in Rush, NY before the family settled on Elmwood Avenue. He began kindergarten at St. Monica’s Catholic school where he developed lifelong friendships with his fellow classmates.  

Richard was a proud alumnus of Aquinas Institute, St. John Fisher University and the University of Rochester.  He was a well respected teacher at West Irondequoit High School for 36 plus years.  

Richard was passionate about his interests and always looked to expand his knowledge and intellect on various topics that included politics, history, financial markets, and sports. He was a fervent fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabers.  First and foremost, his main passion was his family and following his grandchildren’s (Jack, Ava and Sean) accomplishments.  During his children’s formative years, he attended all of their activities and sporting events no matter where they were and supported them with unconditional love.  He and his wife Kathleen enjoyed travelling the world (visited 36 countries) looking for new and interesting places that would satisfy his intellectual curiosity.  

Richard will be remembered for his kindness, affability, loyalty, humor, and his infectious sharp wit.   He had the ability to move throughout a room and talk to individuals on various topics that would keep the conversation lively.  

He was a very active volunteer to many non-profit organizations.  One of his goals in life was to give back to his community and help the less fortunate strive to obtain a better life. 

On January 27, 2023, the family will have calling hours from 10:00 – 11:00 am and the funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena, 26 Mendon-Ionia Rd., Mendon, NY 14506. Intermittent at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd., Pittsford, NY  14534 immediately following the funeral mass. 

In lieu of flowers and in honor of the excellent nursing care he received, contributions in his memory can be made to the Dr. Kathleen A. Powers Nursing Scholarship, St. John Fisher University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Please designate in the memo section of the check that the contribution should be directed to the Dr. Kathleen A. Powers Nursing Scholarship. 

Flowers can be sent to St. Catherine of Siena the morning of the service by 9:00 am.  


Comments

10 responses to “Powers, Richard W.”

  1. Eugene Davidovich Avatar
    Eugene Davidovich

    Passing along my deepest condolences to the Powers family….thoughts and prayers

  2. Ann Robinson Avatar
    Ann Robinson

    Mere words could never be adequate to express the incredible blessing that Dick and Kathy’s friendship over many years has been to me and my family. Dick was always so supportive and nonjudgmental about the ups and downs of my life and patiently tolerated many long conversations with Kathy through the years and hosted us on some fabulous trips to Florida., etc., etc.,etc…. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort and sustain this wonderful family during this period of grief and loss and may Dick’s memory always be a blessing and joy to them as they carry on his legacy.. Deep love and prayers, Ann

  3. Stephen Regan Avatar
    Stephen Regan

    Go dtI’ An Turas! Gods Grace to you Dick Powers!

  4. Ron and Trish Mason Avatar
    Ron and Trish Mason

    Our deepest sympathies to you Kathy and your family. We have sweet memories of Dick and his very wry wit. Always made me laugh! “Stiff upper lip” was the one I’ll always remember.

  5. Teresa Hamlin Avatar
    Teresa Hamlin

    Sending heartfelt condolences to the entire Powers Family.

  6. Elaine Montrose Usdane Avatar
    Elaine Montrose Usdane

    I had the pleasure of knowing Dick for more than 30 years and I’m a better person for that. I will miss him dearly.

    My condolences to Kathy and his children and grandchildren.

  7. Aquinas Alumni Office Avatar
    Aquinas Alumni Office

    God Bless our Aquinas 1955 Brother.

  8. Heather Bundschuh Avatar
    Heather Bundschuh

    Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. I know it has been several years since I’ve seen you both but think of you often. So many memories of Dick helping out at events for the Alzheimer’s Association. He was always so kind to me. Thinking of you and sending my love.

  9. Rosemary Sinacori Avatar
    Rosemary Sinacori

    Kathy, I have fond memories of your visits to CA and our get-togethers in Rochester. Dick was such a kind man and I am sharing your grief right now. He was so generous on one of our trips to Rochester and spent several hours taking us to see the lilacs. He made sure both of us didn’t trip on anything! It was such a treat to be back in Highland Park that day.

  10. Ted B Rivera Avatar
    Ted B Rivera

    My condolences at the passing of Mr Powers. I was a student of his sister, Miss Jean B Powers, who was my debate coach in Webster in the early 1970s. Our debate team spent a lot of time with Miss Powers ( who after graduation insisted we call her “Jean”, but coudnt do it ). Miss Powers spoke many , many times about her brother, his family and his children. In fact Mr Powers phoned me when Jean passed . He pulled me aside at Jean s showing and spoke quite a long time to me there. May he rest in peace . Ted Rivera