Obituary Notice – Joseph L. Richir, Sr.

DUNKIRK:  Joseph L. Richir, Sr, 87, of Newell Road, Dunkirk, passed away Monday, April 18th, 2022 at his residence, surrounded by his family.  He was born in Dunkirk on May 19, 1934, the son of the late Thomas and Lena (Wollaston) Richir.

  Mr. Richir was a graduate of Buffalo State College with a teaching degree in Auto Body. He worked for several car dealerships in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area as a body man and then worked for Fredonia BOCES as an auto body teacher for 24 years, retiring in 1993.

  Mr. Richir was a member of the Fredonia American Legion Post #59, Fredonia Beaver Club, Dunkirk Moose Lodge and a Life member of Sheridan Fire Dept.  He also enjoyed collecting & working on classic cars.

  Surviving are his four children Joseph L. (Rosanne) Richir, Jr of Cape Coral, FL, Diane (Thomas) Neal, of Silver Creek; Scott K. (Gina) Richir of Fredonia, Lu Ann Ellis, of Fredonia; and a brother, Jules Richir, of Dunkirk.  Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Viola “Chickie” (Stevens) Richir, whom he married on July 31, 1954 in St. Joseph RC Church, Fredonia and who died May 7, 2015 and by brothers Earl & Thomas G. Richir.

  Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Thursday evening from 6-9 PM from where Funeral Services will be held Friday afternoon at 1 pm, with Rev. David Watson, pastor of Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Town of Sheridan.

  The family suggests memorials may be made to Sheridan Fire Dept., PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135.

  To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.