Richard was born March 17, 1923 in Hornell, New York to Alonzo and Naomi (Jackman) Miles. He graduated from Hornell High School and attended Rochester Institute of Technology. His education was interrupted by World War II, and he returned home to Springwater, NY where his parents owned and operated a dairy farm.
On September 11, 1943 Richard married the love of his life, Delores Nisbet. They resided in Springwater for the next 30 years raising their four children.
Richard was a business-minded person who pursued many diverse interests including a family-owned garbage removal business in Hornell and a successful excavating business that spanned several years. Eventually the family built, owned, and operated Miles Sports and Marine in Springwater.
In 1973 Richard was offered a job in Brunswick, Georgia to work for his good friend, Guthrie Stone. He accepted and soon was helping to build the Stone Construction Equipment Plant that he managed for the next 15 years making mortar mixers for shipment worldwide.
Upon retiring in 1988 he enjoyed travelling and "working" on his HO model railroad layout. His love of trains was often the catalyst when planning trips so he and Delores could ride many types of trains.
Richard was proud of his affiliation with the Masonic Temple. He was a member of the Hornellsville Lodge # 44 in Hornell and the Corning Consistory where he both attained and participated in the 32nd degree. He had two Consistory Degrees in the Rochester Consistory, and he was a member of the Damascus Shrine Temple in Rochester, NY. His Masonic membership spanned 50 years.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Lyle Miles, his son, Richard Alonzo, and son-in-law, Stephen Didas. Survivors include his loving wife, Delores, his daughters, Margaret Didas and Carolyn Wager (Thomas), and his son, David Miles (Debbie). He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren - Lisa Harrington (Kenneth), Kristin Beswick (Matthew), Michael Didas (Sarah), Megan Capone (Andrew), Ryan Didas (Amanda), Marsha Campini (Angelo), Mark Wager(Jessica Thomas), Scott Miles (Elli), Kathy Miles and Beth Miles, 20 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, and the funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 26 at the College Place Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607 or call 844-739-0849. Donations may also be made to the College Place Methodist Church, where Richard and Delores were members of both the church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class.
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