GUILDERLAND — Richard J. “Dick” Willey, a Marine, was raised on a farm in Latham and enjoyed living in the Helderberg Hilltowns.

He died peacefully at home in the comfort of his loving wife on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at 1 p.m. He was 94.

“He entered eternal life after dealing with heart issues for 20 years,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Dick was the son of the late Edward and Mabel Diener Willey and was born on Feb. 17, 1931.

“He was raised on a farm in rural Latham. He was educated in a two-room schoolhouse along with his older brother and several cousins among the students and then traveled by public bus to attend Albany schools. He actively worked the farm with his family when not attending school.

“After his education, he worked for a printing company in Albany and then was in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954, which he shared fond memories of often. He was on a ship headed to Korea when the armistice was signed in 1953, so the ship turned around and stopped in Japan for some further training. He was a corporal when honorably discharged in 1954.

“Dick married his wife of 56 years, Jane Quay Willey, in March 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Altamont. They enjoyed living in the Albany County Hilltowns for 32 years where Dick maintained a large vegetable garden and was self-employed as a home remodeler for 25 years.

“After their retirement, they spent the next 28 winters in Dunedin, Florida. They sold their Hilltown home and moved to Guilderland during that time.

“Dick was an active outdoorsman, involved in fishing, hunting, trap-shooting competition, and golf. When he was 62, a good friend said ‘I have an extra set of clubs. Would you like to try golf?’ Dick fell in love with the game (thanks to Don D.) and was able to play both in Florida and New York three to four times a week.

“In Florida, he joined a group where they played private and semi-private courses without becoming a member. He managed to get lucky with four holes-in-one over those years! The Briar Creek Golf course was his “go-to course” when in New York.

“Dick and Jane enjoyed traveling and had special trips to California, Nebraska, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alaska, the Bahamas, and some cruises as well as the Northeast United States and Canada.

“Dick’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered.”

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Richard J. Willey is survived by his wife, Jane; his brother, Rodger Willey; his sister-in-law, Virginia Willey; his nieces and nephews; and, from a previous marriage, his daughters Bonnie Morehead (Dennis) and Deborah Sedlak (Tom); four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Jane’s family as well as cousins and many valued friends.

His parents, Edward and Mabel Diener Willey, died before him, as did his brother, Edward Willey; his sister-in-law, Janet Willey; and his son, Gregory Willey-Watkins.

“As was his desire, there will be no viewing or public service,” his family wrote. “Cremation was his wish and a private interment will be held at Memory Gardens. 

“We wish to acknowledge sincere thanks to Hospice nurse Lori, Jane’s great-niece, Rachel, who is also a registered nurse, and her friend, Taylor, for the excellent care they gave to Dick during the last weeks of his life.”

Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208; to The American Heart Association; or to any veterans’ organization of your choice.