Grafton – Richard Stoddard Hemendinger, 71, of Grafton, NY, passed away November 28, 2008, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, after a brief illness.
Born in the Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Augustine Hemendinger and Hilda King Hemendinger. He graduated from Dix Hills High School in Long Island, NY. Richard originally worked for Freihofer’s Bakeries, Wonder Bread, owned an Arnold Bread franchise, worked for Prudential Insurance and then for Johnson & O’Hare.
Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife Helen Nugent Hemendinger of Grafton. In addition to his wife Helen he is survived by five sons, David and wife Sarah Hemendinger of East Greenwich, RI, Stephen and wife Patricia Hemendinger of Alabama, Peter and wife Billie Jo Hemendinger of Amsterdam, NY, Ryan and wife Nancy Hemendinger of Hoosick Falls, NY, and Sean and wife Nicole Hemendinger of Austin, TX, and one daughter, Richelle and husband Chip Oplinger of Harrisburg, NC. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Ashley, Morgan, Rachel, Alex, Kearsten, Joshua, Zackary, Nicholas, Nathan, Jessica, Helena and Gabriel.
Richard enjoyed golfing, traveling and watching his favorite sports events on TV. Richard was affectionately nicknamed “Big Cat” for his tenacity at correcting referees at sporting events. “Big Cat” was a phenomenal cook and enjoyed hosting large family get-togethers for the holidays and summertime celebrations.
Calling hours were on Saturday, November 29, in the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home on Armsby Road, in Petersburgh, NY. A Memorial Service followed the calling hours. Interment was on Sunday, November 30, at the Grafton Center Cemetery, followed by a fellowship gathering at The Grafton Inn on Route 2 in Grafton.
In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation to Becky’s House, St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation Inc., 319 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY, 12214, in memory of Richard S. Hemendinger. Becky’s House is a place of respite and lodging for families with a seriously ill family member.