Richard H. Newell

Richard H. Newell, 86, of Norwich passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at UHS Wilson Medical Center with his wife, Margaret, by his side.

Born June 25, 1938, in Brookfield, N.Y. he was the son of the late Harmon and Mary (Davis) Newell. Richard graduated from Norwich High School in 1955 at the age of 16. Shortly after turning 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Airman First Class.

Richard often said that joining the military was one of the best decisions he made in his life.

Following his discharge, Richard soon embarked on a 33-year career working for the State of New York. He started in corrections working at Camp Pharsalia and Camp Georgetown initially as a clerk, and he retired from the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford in 1995 where he worked as a recreation therapist.

On June 25, 1966, he married Margaret (Pires), who survives. He is also survived by his four children, Patrick (Aidamarie) Newell; Christina (Robert) May; Katherine (Larry) Conant; and Margaret “Peg” (Arlinda) Newell; nine grandchildren, Caitlin, Elijah, Miah, Madeline, Arielle, Brad, Jack, Luca, and Gabriel; seven step-grandchildren, Joel, Jonah, Joseph, Joanna, and Joshua, Jeremy, and Chad; three great-grandchildren, Malaya, Isagani, and Penelope; and five step-grandchildren by marriage. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

He was predeceased by his parents Harmon and Mary, and his brothers Burt Blackman, William Newell, Harmon Newell, and Donald Newell.

Richard grew up on the family farm where he was attuned to the outdoors and conservation. He was an avid reader, painter, gardener, landscaper, writer, and poet. While he was not a sports fanatic, he loved watching NASCAR races, Syracuse Orange basketball, and Norwich varsity basketball. He was also an animal lover and mourned the passing of his beloved cats, Mugsy, Toby, Jack, Lizzie, and Mickey.

Throughout his retirement years, he was a tireless volunteer at multiple charities, including Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, the Chenango County SPCA, and Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He also worked as a fitness instructor for over 20 years at the Norwich YMCA where he passed on his love of fitness to hundreds of community members. He had great empathy, sensitivity, and compassion for those in need of comfort. Richard’s gentle soul, sparkling blue eyes, and ready smile will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.

A private graveside service for Richard with military honors was held Friday, October 25 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Richard’s memory to the charity of your choice.

A special thank you to the dedicated staff of United Methodist Homes in Binghamton, who helped Richard with his recent rehabilitation, as well as the medical staff of UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, who brought comfort and empathy to Richard’s final hours.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with John Antonowicz of the Wilson Funeral Home.