Richard B. Pfendler

Woodgate- Richard B. Pfendler, 69, of Bear Creek Road, husband of Diane, passed away suddenly at his residence on Monday, November 28, 2022.

Richard was born in Forestport, on January 27, 1953, a son of Arthur L. “Fritz” and Clara Clark Pfendler. Most of his life was lived in the Town of Forestport, receiving his education at Forestport Central School. On February 1, 1975, Richard was united in marriage with Diane M. Crofoot, in Boonville. Afterwards the couple lived in the Forestport area, moving to their present home in Woodgate in 1990.

In earlier years he was employed in heavy construction before thirty years of employment at the Forestport Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 2014. Richard possessed a strong work ethic and he always enjoyed working at a second job, “on the side,” as he would say. His “side jobs,” included operating a back hoe and bull dozing service as well as employment at Ingersoll Pick Up Service, Poland, NY and also as working on automobile/diesel motors.

He greatly enjoyed fishing, especially with his brothers while staying in a cabin at Black Lake, St. Lawrence County. He greatly looked forward to times with his brothers, at Black Lake and adventures there were a topic of year around stories. He also enjoyed puttering in his garage.

Richard was a member of The Forestport Fire Fighters, Inc., and the Woodgate Fire Department. He was also a member and Vice President of the Men’s Auxiliary of Harland J. Hennessey V.F.W. Post, of Boonville.

In addition to his wife, Diane, Richard is survived by two sons and a daughter in law, William (Kim) Pfendler, Woodgate, Shawn Pfendler, Woodgate; one daughter and son in law, Kristen (Dustin) Paiement, Old Forge; grandchildren, Madison and Mackenzie Pfendler, Brandan Czajka, Logan Dolan and Tim and Raven Paiement; two brothers, Russel (Janice) Pfendler, Boonville and Jerry Pfendler, Boonville; two sisters, Nila Gerling, Utica and Linda Wagner, Ocklawaha, FL and nieces and nephews and four sisters in law; Clara Kelly, Lynda Crofoot, both of Boonville, Donna Pfendler, Chadwicks and Karen Crofoot, Tacoma, WA.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Dale and Scott; a sister Sylvia Schmelzle and by Ronald and by a sister, Jacqueline, who both died as infants; four brothers in law, Gordon Wagner, Clifford Gerling, William and Edward Crofoot, sisters in law, Helen Pfendler and Patricia Pfendler.

Visitation hours are Friday from 1-3 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.

Following the visitation hours, all are invited to attend a luncheon at the Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W., on Park Avenue, Boonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Forestport Fire Fighters, Inc. 11965 River Road, Forestport, NY 13338 or to Woodgate Fire Department, 12445 State Rt. 28, Woodgate, NY 13494.