Richard M. Washburn

Celebration of life service for Richard M. Washburn, age 63, of Sloan Lane, Heuvelton, will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Mr. Washburn passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center Emergency Room after being stricken at his home.

Mr. Washburn is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Dena Barker and her husband, Brian, of Troy, NY, Jana Sullivan and her husband, Marc, of North Stonington, CT; one brother, Philip Washburn and his wife, Pamela, of Cooperstown; one sister, Kathleen Fuller and her husband, Ralph, of Gouverneur; and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Washburn was born on January 24, 1947 in Gouverneur, the son of Leonard and Marguerite Halpin Washburn. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1966. He married Patricia Tennant on June 28, 1980. After obtaining his teaching certification, he worked for BOCES vocational school where he was instrumental in developing the Coordinated Job Program for the special needs students. He also was instrumental in the work placement program for the various BOCES in the area and started the greenhouse at BOCES in Ogdensburg. He retired in 2002. He served on the Mental Health Committee of the St. Lawrence Community Service Board. He loved Black Lake and enjoyed boating, his computer, and genealogy research and also geology. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. Richard and Pat enjoyed socializing and exercising with their friends at Fitness works.

Donations may be made in his memory to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001-5004 and the Morristown Volunteer Rescue Squad.