Richard Dunbar

Richard Franklin Dunbar

Age 99, formerly of Elmira Heights and Horseheads, and recently of Odessa, NY, passed away peacefully Friday, December 14, 2007 at Seneca View, Montour Falls, NY.

Born August 6, 1908 in Elmira, NY; he graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School as Salutatorian in 1926. He later graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1932 with a degree in civil engineering and was a member of Sigma XI. He married Delores Kidd in 1937 and was married for 69 years. He was a member of the Oakwood United Methodist Church. He spent 8 years as traveling auditor (1932-1940) for Jewel Tea Company, later working for American Bridge as a structural Engineer (1940-43), Eclipse Bendix Corp as research and test engineer (1943), becoming Assistant plant engineer (1950), and later Plant Engineer (1952). He became District General Manager for Chemung County Sewer District in 1962; and was involved in numerous community organizations.

Richard served as Elmira Heights Village Clerk (1944-56); President of Elmira Industrial Management Club; Past Master of Elmira Heights F&AM Lodge 913; Past Director of the YMCA; member of Chemung County Planning Board and Water Pollution Control Association of New York State, a Boy Scout assistant leader, and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials in his memory may be directed to the Oakwood United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 212 Oakwood Ave., Elmira Heights, NY 14903; or Schuyler Hospital, c/o Schuyler Health Foundation, PO Box 828, Montour Falls, NY 14865.

He is survived by 3 children, Carole (Thomas) Gifford, of Montour Falls, Kenneth (Joan) Dunbar, of Horseheads, and Gerald (Charleen) Dunbar, of Mineral, VA; sister, Phyllis McIntyre, of Palm Desert, CA; 6 grandchildren, Paul (Kathleen) Gifford, Dulcie (James) Champion, Deborah (Christopher) Zentz, Kristen Dunbar, Tiffany (Mark) Lione, Ashelly (Steve) Cook; and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, Friday, December 21, from 12 noon-1:30 pm; a funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm at the funeral home; Rev. Patrick L. Holder officiating; burial at Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads, NY. You may view his memorial or sign a guest book at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.