Roy W. Rich, Jr. loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed peacefully on June 15, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born in Binghamton, NY and raised outside the city, he grew to love the outdoors which was evident throughout his life. "Richie," as he was known to family, was the first-born son to Roy and Ina Mae Rich.

Upstate New York could not hold onto him, and after graduation from Chenango Forks High School he was bound for The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Upon completion of his Bachelor's Degree, he continued his love of learning by earning Masters Degrees from New York University, Yeshiva University and Fairfield University.

Not only an avid learner, Roy was the ultimate teacher! He dedicated his life to the young students he encountered throughout a 50 year long career in education. Most of those years were spent at Valhalla High School teaching math to 9th and 10th graders. It was not just the math he loved, he enjoyed mentoring the students of the cross country, and girls basketball teams as their coach.  He showed his students how to serve others by helping with the concession stands for the Saturday home football games. He also spent a few years on the selection committee for students who were applying for the foreign exchange study program.

Upon his retirement from Valhalla, he wasn't done teaching—he became a part-time instructor at The King's College and later at Westchester Community College. One of his saddest days was the day he realized that he should retire from teaching.

For more than 30 years Roy was an active member of the Millwood Fire Department. He loved the comradery he found there and was proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community he loved. As an officer in the Benevolent Committee, he was happiest when he could make a difference in helping a fellow member in need.

A long-time parishioner at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, Roy loved the Lord and served in many ways. He taught Sunday School (his students will no doubt remember the treats they received for correctly reciting their Bible verses), and served on the Parish Board of Education. If there was a project around the building and help was needed, Roy was there!

Roy loved to travel! He spent several summers traveling in Europe, one as a student—with weekend excursions to anywhere a Euro Pass would take him; a few on a motorcycle touring may undiscovered towns and roads; and finally, the honeymoon trip with a new wife camping in as many countries as could fit into two months! Roy also enjoyed the USA, and had in his lifetime driven cross-county and back home 5 times. His favorite saying was "if you fly over, you see the country, but you don't experience it."

His membership in the Extra Miler Club (A large group of travelers who hope to visit each of the 3,178 counties in the USA) was no surprise. He was short by 10 counties when he could no longer travel. However, he would proudly tell you he has spent time in all 50 states – even North Dakota!

A real passion in Roy's life was his collection of license plates. As a member of the Automobile License Plates Collectors Association (ALPCA) he spent more than 60 years collecting and had amassed an impressive collection of vintage plates as well as some of the newer ones! He served on the Board of Directors for the Club and was a significant help with the judging of the impressive displays at the annual conventions. A very special honor for him was being selected to the ALPCA Hall of Fame, recognizing him for his years of service to the club and its members.

No moss grew under Roy's feet, for sure. He entered and finished 5 New York City Marathons. And just for fun participated in a few Half Marathons, and numerous 10K's sponsored by The Taconic Road Runners Club and other municipalities.

Roy was devoted to his family. He leaves his wife of fifty years, Susan, daughters Roberta Rich, Rebecca Bruno and husband Nicholas, as well as his granddaughters, Mila and Sophia. He will be missed by his brothers and sisters, Carolyn Boyd, Timothy Rich, Thomas Rich, and Donna Jean Lineburg and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation and a memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 6, at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, 480 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY.  Visitation will be at 10am, with service following at 11.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, P.O. Box 470, 480 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510, or the Benevolent Fund of the Millwood Firefighters 100 Millwood Road, Box 5, Millwood, NY 10546.

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838