On the morning of February 29, 2016, Richard “Dick” Lee Rothwell Sr. of Plymouth N.Y., passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side. Richard was born to Ernest and Myrtle Rothwell on July 14, 1932 in Topeka, Kansas. He is one of eight children.
As a young man, in 1951, Dick joined the Army Paratroopers, and was in Company C, 1st Battalion 508th Regimental Combat Team, 82nd Airborne in Fort Benning, Georgia, where he served as a platoon Sergeant. Later he met his wife to be, Patricia Ann Parry. Dick and Patricia returned to Fort Benning, Georgia, after their marriage and began their family. Then in 1954, they returned to New York State, bought a dairy farm in Plymouth, NY, where Richard farmed for several years and raised his family.
After Richard’s farming career he worked for Sheffield’s in Norwich NY. He then became a truck driver for Victory Markets and Great American Food Stores before his retirement in 1992.
Richard had a passion for tinkering on vehicles and in 1978 he and his brother, Edward began a small business called, Rothwell’s Used Auto Sales. After his retirement from truck driving, he spent his time both at his car business and home in Daytona Beach with his wife Pat in the winter months.
Richard was a member of the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for a time as fire chief. He was granted lifetime membership of the department.
His wife, Patricia was predeceased, and he is survived by his 5 children (James Rothwell, Richard Rothwell Jr., Carol Miller, Kenneth Rothwell and Catherine Rothwell), grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick will always be remembered as a friend to many in this community.
Donations may be made to the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department, Plymouth, NY 13832 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Per Dick’s request, there will be no formal services.
Arrangements are by the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.