Obituary of Richard K. Mowry, Sr.

Age 82, of Elmira NY went on to reunite with his loving wife and family on April 28, 2024, after a long and turbulent illness.  Richard is predeceased by his devoted wife of 50 years, Mary Lou (Palmieri), daughter Theresa, son Richard Jr., parents Curtis Sr. and Jessie (Spearbeck), siblings:  Charles, Curtis Jr., Mavis Schaar, Judy Kastrick, Helen Laird, and Arlene Wade.  Richard is survived by his brother Donald (Cindy), of CA and children:  Joseph (Paula), Laura (Andrew Lagonegro), Marion (Sandi).  In addition to many nieces and nephews, Richard (a.k.a Pappy) leaves behind:  11 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Richard loved to drive, most especially when it involved a ‘short cut’ - meaning you were not going to see your destination for several hours.  He enjoyed spending time at family gatherings (especially those that involved a good wheelbarrow race), bowling, the occasional golf tournament, and using his analytical skills to ‘beat the odds’.  Richard was a scrappy fellow with a heart of gold - ask and you shall receive.  As with many of his generation, most of his education was self-taught through life experiences.  He spent 30 years working as a delivery driver with Millbrook Bread (Stroehmann Bakery) where he earned many safe driving awards throughout his years of service to the company.  In addition to being a loyal and dedicated employee, he was also elected to a Steward position for the Teamsters Union.  In 1996 Richard retired to live a life of leisure.  After spending the next several years relaxing and building us all computers, he decided he missed the ‘work life’ and began merchandising with Seneca Beverage Corporation.  After a decade or so, unfortunately, he had to hang up his keys, retire once again, and enter the final chapter of his life.  We are eternally grateful to Richard’s caregivers over the past decade, daughter Laura and friend Frances “Porky” Tarby. 

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).  Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Dick with a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Avenue, 17 Floor, Chicago IL   60601....alz.org.