Richard D. Fowler, Sr.

Port Leyden- Richard D. Fowler, Sr. 66, of State Rt. 12, affectionately known as Dick, husband of Annette, passed away at his residence, on Thursday, September 29, 2016, after a long illness, while surrounded by his loving family and hospice. He was born in Boonville, on March 5, 1950, a son of Daniel and Margaret Dolan Fowler and grew up on Pearl St. Port Leyden. Dick attended Port Leyden Central School, before completing his education at South Lewis Senior High School, Turin. Thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country in the Viet Nam War. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1970, with rank of Private, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Fowler served in the US Marine Corps Reserves until July, 1973. After serving his country, Dick returned to the Port Leyden area and beginning in 1976, was employed in the steam plant at Georgia Pacific Paper Co., retiring in the same capacity from Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper Co. in 1995. On August 31, 1974, Richard was united in marriage with Annette M. Gaffney, in Boonville. Later the couple constructed their present home on Rt. 12, where they have since lived. Dick was very talented in repairing a wide variety of things, including automobiles and furnaces. He will be fondly remembered as a generous person who was always available and found great joy in repairing cars whether at his residence or roadside and he was always available around the clock in cold winter weather to repair furnaces for friends and relatives. He was a member of St. Martin's Church, Port Leyden. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Mr. Fowler was a life member of Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. Boonville, where he was the first Viet Nam Veteran to be a Post Commander, serving in that office 1984-85. He greatly enjoyed attending the yearly Viet Nam Veteran's annual get together which was held for 25 years at the Hennessey V.F.W. Post in Boonville, during a weekend in June. He was also a member of Charles J. Love Post American Legion # 406, Boonville. In addition to his wife, Annette, Dick is survived by two daughters, Kimberley Fowler, Florida, and Tracy (Richard) Nellenbach), West Leyden. He was predeceased by his son, Richard, Jr. in 2013, his father, Daniel Fowler, on February 16, 1996, and by a grand son, Kyle Burgy, in 2000. Dick is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; four brothers, Michael, Port Leyden, Patrick, Sr. Conway, SC, Daniel J. Jr. and Bruce both of Port Leyden; four sisters, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Wood, Myrtle Beach, SC, Beverly (James) Cataldo, Martinsburg, Laura (Richard) Bell, Albany, and Lisa Day, Myrtle Beach, SC. He was predeceased by a brother Edwin, June 14, 1979. Also surviving are nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Bonnie Blair, Ava. Dick's family wishes to extend a heartfelt note of thanks and appreciation to Lewis County Hospice for all of the kind and compassionate care which the extended to Dick and his family. His Funeral will be Saturday, October 8, at 11:00 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. Donald H. Karlen, a retired priest from Christ Our Hope Catholic Parish of Boonville, will officiate. Members of the Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. Charles J. Love Post American Legion and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League will meet in a group at the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday to render Military Rites at the conclusion of the services. Calling hours are Friday 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home.