Obituary of Bernard M. Richards

Brushton – Bernard M. Richards, 83, passed away Friday December 26, 2014 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Bernard was born on August 29, 1931 in Dickinson, son of the late Donald W. and Beatrice (Jesmer) Richards and received his education in St. Regis Falls. He married Maureen Caskinette in 1951. She predeceased him in 1965. He married Jolene Gravelle, who also predeceased him. On October 26, 1991, he married Cynthia M. Hartson, sharing a joyous ride for 23 years. Bernie was a farmer for 42 years; raising top NYS Holsteins, showing his bulls at the county fair, also selling Clay Equipment and DeLavelle Dairy Equipment. After he retired from farming, he started his hobby business of "Backhoe Bernie", providing service to his customers with his familiar smile. He refurbished tractors and enjoyed the tractor pull competitions. An outdoorsman; he found a calming as he cut his wood, produced his maple syrup, hunted, fished, 4-wheeled and snowmobiled. He was always tuned into his location in the woods, earning him the nickname of "Mr. Adirondacks." He was an athlete at heart whose competitive nature showed as he played golf, hockey, broomball, basketball and bowling. He was a past member of the Moira Fire Department, a member of the Best Hunting Club in Meacham Lake and a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Brushton. Bernie was a peaceful man, kindhearted, humble and always helpful to those in need. He met challenges with a little humor, his great wit left others with a smile. His ability as a handyman was shown as he could fix anything and enjoyed to teach by example. Bernie was a hardworking, generous man who loved his family and treasured their time spent together. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, Debbie and Ted Hintopoulos of Hannawa Falls, Martha Jane Moore of Dade City, FL, Bonnie and Steve Mace and Debbie and Gary Gravelle, of FL, son in law, Kenneth and Maria Swakopf of Raleigh; siblings, Dorothy Jandrew of Nicholville, Winona and Lionel Marshall of Moira, Philip Richards of Orchard Park, Donna Chambers of Winthrop; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one daughter Virginia, one sister, Reba Lemieux and one brother, Andrew. Visitation will be held Monday at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Bernard's Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 11 am at St. Mary's Church in Brushton. Spring burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery in St. Regis Falls. His family has requested that any donations in his memory be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared with Bernard's family at www.hammillfh.com.