GUILDERLAND — Richard Cox, formerly of Guilderland, died on Sunday, May 1,  2022, at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Florida with family at his side.

He was a graduate of Guilderland High School, Class of 1959. He served in the United States Navy for eight years on the destroyer USS Huntington. After service, he was a large-crane operator until his retirement.

“Richy lived in Florida winters and spent time in Guilderland during the summer,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He loved his Tampa Bay Rays baseball and his Buccaneers football teams. Every week, he would watch NASCAR races and spend much of his time on his boat fishing.

“The front porch is where everyone met every day, come rain or shine for a beer and to discuss the world’s problems. If not on the porch, he was watching Fox News.

“He loved when his family visited. Camping was a family tradition. Every summer, he would love to sit  around the campfire and tell stories.”

****

Richard Cox is survived by his son, Doug, and loving daughter-in-law, Leslie, and by his granddaughter, Sarah, and grandson, Jordan.

He is also survived by his sisters, Dolores Audet (Bill Jobmann) of Scotia, Carolyn (Donald) Nichols of Guilderland, and Donna (Ed) Hunt of Old Chatham; by his brothers, Ken and Jeff, of Rotterdam; by his sister-in-law, Carole Cox, of Latham; by his aunt, Fran Cox, of Guilderland; and by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His parents, Richard and Liz Cox, died before him, as did his son, Ricky, and his brothers, Edward and Andy.

“We would like to thank our brother Jeff and niece Leslie for the excellent care they gave Richy,” his family wrote.  

A Celebration of Life will be held both in Lakeland, Florida and in Guilderland. A final service will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date and time to be announced.