Richard J. Crofoot

Hadley

Richard J. “Dick” Crofoot, 79 of Golf View Rd., passed away Saturday evening, August 18, 2018 at his home with his family at his side.

Born on July 23, 1939 in Constableville, NY, he was the son of the late Robert and Leona Crofoot.  He was a 1958 graduate of Constableville Central School and attended SUNY Brockport.  He began a life long career with the telephone company, first as an installer / repairman in Boonville.   He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Dick continued his career with the telephone company and eventually moved from Constableville to Lake Luzerne in 1970 and soon to Hadley.  He was a telephone company man and retired as the longtime supervisor of the Corinth office in 1993. 

Dick was a 46-year member of the Corinth Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He was a founding member of the Dreen Hunting Camp and a past member of Bend of the River Golf Club.

Dick had a lifelong passion for sports, especially basketball.  In his earlier years he played and later on, he attended many high school basketball games and watched sports on tv.  He also enjoyed rabbit hunting, deer hunting, playing golf and riding his snowmobile, including trips to Canada.  He attended numerous NASCAR races with his brothers.  Dick moved from Constableville to Hadley but returned to Tug Hill regularly throughout his life.  He valued the time spent there at hunting camp and many evenings were passed on the porch at camp with lifelong friends and family.  Dick appreciated his daily 5 p.m. Manhattan (one cherry) and going for coffee at Jack’s Place and more recently, Mollie’s Mason Jar.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his daughters and granddaughters.  

He was a quiet, kind, unassuming man, a bit stubborn at times.  His endurance, determination and ability to face adversity without complaint was admirable.  Above all, he will be lovingly remembered as a great Dad, the best father that anyone could hope for.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Leona Crofoot; Clarence and Dorothy Wendt, who raised and loved him as their own; a sister, Jeanne Jones; and two nephews, Sean Crofoot King and Scott Wendt.

Survivors include his loving daughters, Raeann (Eric) Johnson of Hadley and Colleen (Sean) Cook of Lake Luzerne; three granddaughters, Emily Johnson, Amanda Cook and Brianna Cook; five brothers: Robert (Janice) Crofoot of Castorland, NY, Ronald (Reba) Crofoot of Greenwich, David (Diane) King of Candor, NY, Thomas (Nancy) King of Candor and Robert (Cindy) Wendt of Constableville; lifelong friend James (Jane) Allen of West Leyden; his former wife and mother of his daughters, Sharon Crofoot of Day; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Saratoga Hospital who helped him this past year, especially Dr. Edward Liebers and Dr. Anthony Cutry, and Community Hospice.  We would also like to extend our profound gratitude and thanks to his caregivers, especially Jennifer Clute and Dianne Monroe.

At Dick’s request, there are no calling hours.  Please join the family at a graveside service at Hadley Cemetery on Saturday, August 25 at Noon.  Family and friends are also invited to attend a Celebration of Dick’s life on Saturday, August 25 from 1 to 4 pm at Mollie’s Mason Jar Restaurant, 13 Park Avenue Extension, Hadley.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, we would encourage you to spend the day with your Dad or loved one, go to the track one more time, read the paper or watch the race together.  Take that ride to camp.  Continue to make memories before time runs out.  Our Dad always made the time and every conversation ended with I love you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard J. Crofoot, please visit our floral store.