Obituary of Richard L. Furman

Richard L. "Dick" Furman of Mendon, died January 29, 2011 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. He was 93. Dick was born the son of Albert and Ruth Wagner Furman on December 10, 1917 in Rochester, NY. His family lived briefly in Buffalo and Binghamton, but settled on the south side. Dick grew up during the Great Depression, and helped support his family by shoveling snow and running errands for neighbors, selling newspapers, and cleaning the public areas of local apartment buildings. He graduated from Monroe High School. As a boy and young man, Dick enjoyed playing baseball for the Vanderbilt Drug team. His athletic ability enabled him to join a semi-pro league and he continued to play ball recreationally well into into his middle years. Dick began his career as a bricklayer/stonemason, and was a 70+ year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Local #3. He started Furman Builders and constructed many fine homes in the Charlotte and Brighton area. He took pride in his building arts and could recall in great detail his many projects in the Rochester area. Dick ended his career working 25+ as Foreman for Robert F. Hyland & Sons Building Contractors. In retirement, Dick enjoyed many trips to Atlantic City and Kentucky, and was fortunate to live 48 years in the home he built in the Hopper Hills of Mendon. Most of all, he enjoyed simple things-the comfort of his home, dinners with family, his garden in the summer, trips to the local casino. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mendon. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Teresa. He is survived by his children, Richard (Valorie) Furman, Wayne P. Furman, and Sue (Clyde) North; step children Joanne Martin, John Oklevitch; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 2-4, 6-9 pm at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc., 59 Monroe St. Honeoye Falls. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 10 am in the Chapel of St. Catherine of Siena Church, 26 Mendon Ionia Road, Mendon. Burial, Mendon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice.