Richard Frederick Lanphear Sr., 94, went into the hands of God, surrounded by his loving family on September 6, 2014 at Fairview Hospital, in Great Barrington Massachusetts. He was born in Chatham NY on November 6, 1919 to Harry Lanphear and Mary Elizabeth Hoffman and was one of three children. He married the love of his life Jean Piester Lanphear on June 7, 1952. They were married for 62 years. Richard proudly served with the United States Army. He was a WWII veteran stationed in the Philippines. Dick was self-employed with the DeLaval Separator Company, was recognized as man of the year and retired in 1975. He was a 75 year member of S.W. Smith Hook and Ladder Company of Chatham NY, serving in the role of chief and line officer. He was also a founding father and member of the Chatham Rescue Squad. He was an avid sportsman. He spent many hours in his later years bird watching and enjoying the sites of nature. His love of exploring and testing homeopathic remedies extended his life. Family gatherings held a special place in his heart and gave him great joy. He is survived by his devoted wife Jean (Piester) Lanphear, two loving children Linda Lanphear Jackson (William), Darin Lee Lanphear (Patricia) and another son. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren Danial Lanphear, Ashley Jackson Zwingelberg (Philip), Aleisha Jackson, Benjamin, Erin and Emily Lanphear and a great grandson, Jackson Reid Zwingelberg. Step grandchildren, Timothy (Laurie) Jackson and Barry (Leya) Jackson Step Great Grandchildren McKenna, Taylor, Garrett, Erika and Kyle Jackson Richard was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers Harry and Cornelius Lanphear. Calling hours are Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Wenk Funeral Home in Chatham New York. A Mass of Christian burial will celebrate his life on Thursday September 11, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church in Chatham, New York. Donations in his memory may be made to Sanford W. Smith Hook and Ladder Company of Chatham New York, Chatham Rescue Squad or the Ghent Fire Department. For on-line condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com