Obituary of Richard Lee Friends

Richard Lee Friends, 96, of Arkport, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Dick was born in Blossburg, PA on June 2, 1927 to the late Elon C. and Evalena Smith Friends. He grew up in Woodhull and lived as an adult in Troupsburg and later in Arkport. After Dick left high school, he enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1945 to 1947. He was stationed in Europe post World War II as part of combat engineers and took part in rebuilding vital infrastructure. Upon his return home from the military, Dick began a 43 year career with A.L. Blades & Sons in Hornell where he worked as a paving superintendent. He was recognized for laying 1,720,005 tons of blacktop with zero losses from waste. In his retirement, he was often called on to come back to work to either manage the oil & stone crew or to handle a problem in the shop. On March 17, 1972, Dick and Anita Bianco were married at the Spencer United Methodist Church in Hornell. Anita survives. Over the years, Dick fostered his love for vehicles of all sorts, be it snowmobiles, motorcycles, his first Model A, Wheel Horse tractors, a four wheeler or Farmall tractors. Dick and his family raised beef cattle for a time, mainly to give his kids “something to do”. He even raced at the Woodhull Raceway and as recalled by many, he would simply drive his extremely loud stock car to Woodhull from Troupsburg by way of “back roads”. Dick always took great pride in his home, yard and garden but his greatest pride was his large conjoined family. He welcomed anyone and had great love for all of his children, grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews. Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Anita Friends of Arkport, his children, Jane (Coley) Harrington of E. Syracuse, NY, Audrey Rusconi of Corning, Andrea Dannemiller of Bath, Doni (Gary) McGann of Hammondsport, Dena Kennell of Arkport, Kelli (Jeff) Johnson of Angelica, Kammi (Andy) Hutches of Bath, Victor (Jean) Green of Troupsburg, Kristi (Steve) Peck of Hornell and Ricki Friends of Avoca, his step son, Bob (Charlene) Davenport of Greenwood, his brother-in-law, Bob (Pat) Bianco of Jasper, 21 grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Richard D. Friends and his siblings, Reva McMindes, Ruea Rude Allen, Jay Friends, Hugh Friends and Milford Friends. Friends may call on Monday, June 12 from noon to 2 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will follow there at 2 pm with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be made in Woodhull Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans.at www.dav.org.