Richard J. “Rich” Dunn – 56 – of 7978 State Route 36 (The Oaks), Arkport, NY died Friday evening (January 18, 2019) at home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 12, 1962, he was the son of Laurence “Larry” & Margaret (Rechichi) Dunn.

Rich grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1981). In 1983 he received his Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science from Delhi State College (SUNY Delhi).

He had been employed for several years at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland and for nearly 20 years served as Assistant Commissioner for the Steuben County Landfill, Bath, NY. For about 15 years, Rich was employed as Maintenance Supervisor Greater Southern Tier BOCES in Hornell, retiring in 2016.

Rich had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the Sons of American Legion in Arkport. Rich enjoyed hunting (especially deer & turkey) and loved spending time with his friends at a hunting camp in Canaseraga, NY. He was an avid NASCAR fan and also enjoyed classic cars, having collected many throughout the years. Rich was a great friend to all and was always willing to help anyone or to simply “BE THERE” in their time of need! He also loved making maple syrup to be enjoyed by his family & friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Paddock (died 2017) and also his father, Laurence “Larry” Dunn (died 2017).

Rich was married on August 24, 2002 to the former Terrie Payne Paddock who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Jennifer (Jim) Mac Phail of Addison; his daughter-in-law, Tina Paddock of Henrietta, NY; his mother, Margaret Dunn of Arkport; 2 brothers, Michael (Linda) Dunn of Haymarket, VA and Daniel (Michelle) Dunn of Getzville, NY; 4 grandchildren, Mickayla (James Willis) Bailey, Dylyn Bailey, Saige Paddock and Jaide Paddock; 1 great-granddaughter, Adalynn Willis; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Richard J. “Rich” Dunn will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A memorial service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. A reception for family & friends will immediately follow at the Arkport American Legion, Arkport, NY.

Rich’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter St., Arkport, NY 14807 or to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.