Richard F. Friend

Rick Friend, of Newark Valley, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 16, 2016 as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 28 years, Andrea (Woods) Friend, son Christopher T. Friend, daughter Meredith A. Friend, parents Ray and Joy Friend, sister Yvette (Thomas) Papasodero, father and mother-in-law Bill and Joann Woods, brother-in-law Bill (Roxanne) Woods, nieces Gemma and Lindsay Papasodero, nephews Bradyn Woods and T.J. Papasodero, and many close friends. Rick was born in Buckinghamshire, England and was a proud graduate of the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England. Shortly after emigrating, he earned his M.A.T. from Binghamton University. A veteran Social Studies teacher at Union Endicott High School, Rick was much beloved by his students year after year. He delighted in keeping in touch with his students as they ventured into adulthood, many for years and decades. He acted for many years as U.E.'s Mock Trial advisor and particularly enjoyed shaping the skills of these special students. As proud of he was of his students, Rick found his greatest pride in the successes and accomplishments of his children. Rick was first and foremost a father. He loved his children with a strength and passion evident to all who knew him. Rick found hope and happiness in the relationships he shared with his loving wife, devoted parents, close friends, and caring community. He found peace in nature and was an enthusiastic hiker. Kind, funny, and immensely loved, Rick was taken from us far too soon. We hope the memory of his life and love and service to his adopted country and community inspires all to live as he would have and as he would wish us to. His family will receive friends at MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig Street Newark Valley, NY on Thursday October 20th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Owego, on Friday at 11:00 am with final resting in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Rick may consider honoring his legacy of education and contribute toward the continuing education of his children. Memories and condolences may also be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com Visitation MacPherson Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday, October 20, 2016 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 5 Whig Street Newark Valley, New York 13811 Directions