Richard F Monroe

Richard F. Monroe, 80, a well known and respected resident of Newark Valley, died peacefully at his home on March 13, 2008. Dick is survived by his wife, Ruth Champney Monroe, his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Ann Monroe, Mexico,NY, Mark and Susan Monroe, Ossining, NY, Scott Monroe, Charlottesville, Va, daughter-in-law, Linda Monroe, Charlottesville,VA, his sister, Barbara Doh, Plattsburg, NY, his grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Catrina, Gary, Salena, Stephen, Amy, Patrick, Ryan and Kyle. Also surviving are the mother of his sons, Eleanor M. Monroe, several nieces, nephews, cousins and Ruths children, William (Deb) Champney and Karen Champney.Dick was born on August 9, 1927 in Ithaca, NY a son of Charles F. and Margaret (Welch) Monroe. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Navy and a graduate of Cortland State College. He began his banking career at the First National Bank of Dryden. In 1953 he began his lifelong association with the First National Bank of Newark Valley serving as executive Vice President. Through merger with NBT Bancorp in 1973, he became Sr. Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. He retired from the bank in1985 and as director in 2004 concluding more than 50 years of banking service. Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Newark Valley, a past member of the Owego Rotary Club and a former Mason. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, bird-watching, sports, and especially enjoyed seeing family and friends at home and in the community. Friends are invited to call at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley on Monday from 5-8 PM and to join his family in a celebration of his life which will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Newark Valley on Tuesday at 10 am. His Pastor, Rev. Nancy Adams will officiate. Expressions of sympathy in his memory, may be directed to the Owego Emergency Squad, who provided outstanding care to Dick on many occasions, at PO Box 22, Owego, NY 13827.