Obituary of Richard Pickering

Dick Pickering was born September 25, 1938, in Quincy, MA. He graduated from Brockport High School in 1957; served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1963 at Clark Airforce Base in the Phillipines, and served as a reservist from 1963-1965. In 1995 he retired from RG&E with 32 years of dedicated service as a heavy equipment operator, contract negotiator, customer service rep and completed his years there as an inspector. To this day, he is still remembered by those who worked for his as a great guy to work with. Stories have been told of the baked goods he brought to his service crews and the pranks he used to play on them. He was known for his big heart and generosity. Most people he worked with knew family was everything to him, no matter the circumstances. In 1959, Dick married his loving wife, Carol, who he described as an "angel" and the love of his life. He had two sons, Dennis and Scott. Anyone who knew Dick knew family was everything to him and he spoke of them with such pride. He was a dedicated, loyal, hard-working, generous man who gave 110 percent of himself to family, friends, work and hobbies. Dick was an avid golfer and shared his passion for golf with his family and friends. He enjoyed music (classical and opera), old movies, and history. He could recite just about every word to any John Wayne movie, which everyone got a kick out of. He was a true history buff and was able to answer any history question that came his way. Dick was an amazing cook and was always creating and trying out new recipes. The smile you could put on his face after trying out one of his new soups or meals was from ear to ear, and if you said it was good he lit up like a Christmas tree. Dick and Carol enjoyed many summers vacationing at their cottage in Cape Vincent and it became a most cherished "escape". They entertained friends and family and provided some everlasting memories to many. When he did anything, he did it big and to his fullest ability, it was always quite impressive. Cost didn't mean anything to him as long as he got to spend time with company he enjoyed and everyone was happy. Some of the family's fondest memories are how dad/grampa made holidays and birthdays so special. There were family traditions created that will go down as being some of the most enjoyable times together - Christmas grab bags, Easter breakfasts and birthday celebrations always with great surprises. Dick enjoyed the friendship of many special friends (John and Sharon Harding, Mike and Rena Argento, Chuck and Kristine Zaffuto, Herbie and Kathy Mastrangali, Charlie Funk, Grace and Al Donovan, Teddy and Jesse Rothenburg and many others). He was a friend to many and a more loyal friend could not be found. He was very pleased to have recently reconnected with friends from the service (USAF) (Morey Thomas and George Ferguson). Dick was an active member of the Salmon Creek Snowmobile Club. He took great pride in his work and involvement with the renovation and moving of the Depot Station to the Village of Spencerport. Dick was loved by many and will be missed forever by his family, friends and those whose lives he touched. When he loved you, you knew it. His heart was bigger than life, and he has left a lasting imprint and an abundance of memories that will be forever cherished. His most common phrase was "whatever you need, you ask, and don't ever be afraid too ask." Just his presence in the room was felt by anyone especially when you turned to look at him and he was smiling. That's one thing no one will forget about him -- his smile. He will be thought about often and missed dearly, but if there's one thing he would have wanted is for us to move forward and remember him but don't grieve over our loss. I know he will greet us all someday again with open arms, a smile on his face and the food he's already begun to cook! We love you Grampa Pick.