Richard James Conklin

Richard was born in Manhattan, New York to Richard James and Margaret Beranek Conklin on June 28, 1933. He eloped with Madeline Castagna on November 16, 1951 in Mount Vernon, New York. He was an avid swimmer and life guard for many years. He also enjoyed basketball, baseball, and tennis. He began his long career with General Electric in Syracuse, NY. While working at GE, he was sent overseas to Trinidad, British West Indies to work on a contract with the Armed Forces. He was there with his family for a few years before returning to the Syracuse, NY location. He would work there until his transfer to the Pittsfield, MA location and would then retire after 30 years of service at age 55. He was happy to take early retirement to spend time gardening, building model boats, woodworking and making countless pieces of furniture for his family. He also enjoyed belonging to Civitan Club of Pittsfield, MA, providing meals to those in need with the Meals on Wheels of Pittsfield, MA and working with the Special Olympics.

Richard James Conklin is survived by his wife Madeline C Conklin; a daughter, Linda Conklin Hannum George and husband, Don of Pompano, FL; a son, Dr. Richard James Conklin and wife, Ginger of Aberdeen, SD; a daughter, Susan Conklin Menard and husband Lawrence of Greer, SC; a son, Robert Thomas Conklin and wife, Michele of Sioux Falls, SD. A sister, Patricia Small and husband Reverand Quentin Small. Many grandchildren; Steven Alan Hannum and wife Alison, Richard James Hannum and wife Amanda, Lauren Michele Hannum, Andrea Leigh Conklin, Shana Nicole Conklin, Paul Nathaniel Conklin, Corina Conklin, Elizabeth Susan Menard, Daniel Lawrence Andrew Menard, Danielle Marie Conklin, and Amanda Lee Conklin. Step–Grandchildren, Spencer Travis Sperry and Reagan Honey Sperry. Great Grandchildren, Cecil Miles Hannum, Lawrence James Menard, and Nikolai and Vasunya Conklin. Nieces and nephews. Kathi Small, Donna Small Niceley and husband Kim, and David Small and wife, Sandy.

The family of Richard James Conklin wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all of the health care professionals that helped make his last days on earth as comfortable as possible.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Greenville, SC.