Richard A. Friend, 92, passed on July 27, 2016 with the comfort of home, family and pets. His was a life devoted to service, and was lived in both dignity and great warmth of character. Richard is survived by his wife, Maureen, and children and stepchildren Larry (Nancy), Beth, Annette (Jim), Mindy (David), Marsha (Rick), Rich, and Kelley (Steven). He had a special relationship with his grandchildren Jessie and Jordan, who deeply loved their Poppy. Of great pride were his grandchildren spread across the United States, Ireland, and Australia including Matthew (Jamie), Stephanie, Christian, Peter, Lindsay, Amber, Cindy, Debbie, and Danny. His pets also provided him great comfort in his final days. Richard was born in Elmira, New York, but lived most of his life in the Binghamton area and is a GAF retiree, as a chemical engineer. He was a proud and lifelong member of Otseningo Lodge #435 and later Round Hill Lodge #533, having achieved the rank of 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Richard was also a decades-long member of Binghamton Kiwanis, having served as President and holding numerous other offices, including New York State Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor. He took special pride in Kiwanis service projects including the restoration and placement of the Robert Morton theater organ at the Forum Theater, and the construction of concert space at the Binghamton Zoo and Discovery Center. In addition, Richard was a swing piano player and was (in)famous for his sense of humor and his engineering "fix-everything" spirit. Special thanks to all of the friends and family who have supported Richard in his final days, and to the compassionate and essential help of Lourdes Hospice.

  Family will receive visitors Monday from 2:00-3:00  PM, at Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango Street, Binghamton, New York. Memorial and Masonic services will immediately follow. Burial will be at family discretion. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Dr. Binghamton, NY 13905; the Masonic Care Community, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY, 13501; or The Humane Society, 2 Jackson Street, Binghamton, NY, 13903. Please sign his guestbook at www.HEFUNERALHOME.com
 

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