 UNADILLA - Richard Walton Schlafer passed away Oct. 19, 2011, in
Binghamton General Hospital.
He was born Feb. 5, 1916, in Sidney, to Alexander and Mary
Frances (Walton)
Schlafer.
Dick was a veteran of World War II serving in Japan during the
occupation. Before and after the war, he worked for Scintilla, then Bendix in
Sidney, first as a driver then as a group leader.
In the 1960s he owned and operated Unadilla Concrete Products and drove
winters for Unadilla Oil and Fuel.
He eventually retired as a Teamster after helping to build various
segments of I-88 where he was known by all as "Festus." He was a former Sidney
fireman in Phelps Hose Company and a lifetime member of McDonald Hose Co. He was
a lifetime member of the Unadilla American Legion and past commander of the
Sidney American Legion.
As camping chairman of Boy Scout Troop #1 Unadilla, Dick first
accompanied the troop to Crumhorm Mountain Camp in 1960 and later took pride in
being the oldest living past Scoutmaster of Troop #1. Richard was a mason and
member of the First United Methodist Church in Sidney. Fondly known as "Captain
Crunch" he was a homespun philosopher with wisdom far beyond his formal
education.
He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Carmen Mathewson; his
sisters, Virginia Shattuck and Jeanette Martin; daughter-in-law, Deborah E.
Clune, and grandson, Paul Charles Clune.
He is survived by his wife, Lillian "Sally" Schlafer; sister, Barbara
Fitzgerald; daughters, Laura E. Clune and Darlene "Peanut" Hockert (Michael);
sons, Richard William Schlafer (Joann), Joseph A. Schlafer (Victoria), and
Albert E. Clune; serveral grandchildren, great grandchildren, at least one great
great grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At Richard's request there will be no calling hours or funeral services.
A graveside committal will be held at the convenience of the family. A
celebration of Dick's life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, at the
Sidney VFW, West Main Street, Sidney.
Arrangements are by Westcott Funeral Home at 123 Main St. in Unadilla.
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