Richard France

QUEENSBURY - Richard E. ”Dick” France Sr., 86, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Albany Medical Center after a short illness. Born on May 10, 1926 in Rockford, Il, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Mildred (Dove) France. Dick graduated from West High School in Rockford, Il and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. In 1944, Dick enlisted in the United States Army and was proud to serve on the V2 Rocket program in WWII . On June 15, 1947, he married the love of his life Patricia A. Burgess. After graduating from college he went to work for Union Carbide Corporation and ended his career as Corporate Vice President of Purchasing at Sun Chemical Corporation. Dick was a board member of Samaritans Counseling, and enjoyed serving as a Boy Scout Leader, his four boys and six of his grandsons earned their Eagle Scouts Award. He was an avid golfer and bridge player participating in several area bridge clubs. Dick was a member of the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church belonging to the Men’s Fellowship and finance committee. Besides his parents, Dick is predeceased by a granddaughter, Rachel Griego and a brother, David France. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia France, children, Richard E. France Jr. and wife Roberta of Rensselaerville, John France and wife Kathleen of Toledo, OH, Thomas France and wife Janet of Princeton, KY, Bruce France and wife Wendie of Albany, Julie Griego and husband Anthony of Hudson Falls, grandchildren, R. Eric France and wife Jeni, Christopher France and wife Charleen, Gregory France, B. Matthew France and wife Ashley, Jeremy France and wife Brittany, Davita France, Kyle France, Carissa France, Emily Schienke and husband Derek, Jill Locklear and husband Calvin, Abby Norman and husband Christian, Jason France and wife Crystal, Kimberly Frye and husband Peter, David France, Carrie Griego, Ivan Griego, nineteen great-grandchildren, sisters: Jean Ellis of Janesville, WI, and Audrey Henson of Dubuque, IA, and a sister in-law, Diane France of Edmond, OK, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Dick’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Celebration will be conducted at 2pm on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Drive, South Glens Falls, NY 12803 with Rev. Jeffrey Stratton, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the Chestertown Cemetery in the summer at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to The Open Door Soup Kitchen 47 Lawrence Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or SGF United Methodist Church Mission’s Committee 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Arrangements are under the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St, So. Glens Falls, NY 12803. To view The Book of Memories and post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in a later edition of The Post Star.