Richard J. 'Dick' Lewis

Old Forge - Richard "Dick" James Lewis, 70, of Old Forge, NY, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022 after a long illness while surrounded by his loving wife and family. Dick was born on August 13, 1951, to Merle and Mary Jane (Craigue) Lewis. He grew up in Ilion, NY, graduating with a degree in Education from the State University of New York at Oswego. After teaching for two years, he permanently moved to the Adirondacks, where he had spent many happy summers growing up. In 1977, he purchased The Lanterns Restaurant in Eagle Bay, NY, operating it for more than three decades. He was a talented chef and bartender, and no one ever went hungry or thirsty when he was around. He made many lifelong friends through the restaurant, still sharing (mostly appropriate) stories of their fun for years afterward. Dick loved sports, playing baseball while at Oswego, and was a former member of both Thendara and Inlet Golf Clubs. While his children were growing up, he took great pleasure in spectating at their sporting events, sometimes quite loudly. He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, and was an avid reader, often finishing several books each week. His favorite times were cooking for family and friends. His greatest love in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kate, children William Mellen, Manlius, NY, Christine (Brian) Morgan, Needham, MA, John (Jennifer) Mellen, Mayfield, NY, Sarah (John) Scouten, Port Leyden, NY, Richard (Brittany) Lewis, Jr., Boonville, NY, and Matthew Lewis, Port Leyden, NY; grandchildren Elizabeth, Bella, Gracelin, Tristan, Jackson, Rye, Avery, and one on the way who was already loved; sisters Mary Beth (Timothy) Brennan and Mary Ellen (Paul) Deceglie; mother-in-law Sarah Kelley; his niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Shepard. His family would like to thank Dr. Tom Socash, Laura Cooper, and the staff at the Health Center, as well as the staff at Faxton Dialysis Lab and St. Luke's Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Calling hours will be held on June 2 from 11am to 2pm at Dimbleby Funeral Home, 128 Fern Ave, Old Forge. A Celebration of Life will take place the same day from 4pm to 6pm at the Back Door Bar, 3092 Rt. 28, Old Forge. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can donate to the Town of Webb Historical Association, PO Box 513, Old Forge, NY or St. Bartholomew's Food Pantry, PO Box 236, Old Forge, NY.