Obituary of Richard J. Vernon

Richard J. Vernon

Afton--Richard Vernon, born March 20, 1946, passed away November 10, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Marjorie and Clifford Vernon. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Vernon; son Ted Vernon (Tina Gould); daughter Libbie Wallace (Greg Wallace); grandchildren Penelope, Maggie Rose, David, Darren, Jacob, Annette, Hunter, Nicholas and Robyn; great grandchild Cole; brother Gordon Vernon (Bobbie Vernon); sisters Donna James and Janice Stuart (Doug Stuart); nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Richard grew up in Whitney Point and graduated from SUNY Cortland. He was a high school teacher for 34 years at Afton Central School, where he taught biology and physics. He demonstrated great interest in his students, inspiring them to continue their education and to be responsible community members. He also enjoyed a successful coaching career, leading many championship teams on the golf course and wrestling mats.

He was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for deer and turkey hunting. Richard enjoyed many hours on the archery range as a member of the Black Feather Archery Club in Sidney. He encouraged and helped others to develop hunting skills, including those he taught as an instructor for the New York State archery hunter courses.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 14, 7:00 PM at the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association online at www.alz.org or by mail to 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY, 13204-1361. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.