Richard Boniface

Richard Boniface, a lifelong Sullivan County resident, entered into rest at his home on December 16, 2012, with his family by his side. He was 92 years old. The son of the late Alfred Boniface Jr. and Edyth T. (Howling) Boniface, he was born in Roosa Gap, NY on November 5, 1920 along with his twin brother, Edward "Ted" Boniface. Richard worked on his father's farm, at the Paramount Theater in Middletown while attending high school, and for General Electric in Bridgeport, CT before enlisting in the US Navy immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II he proudly served on the USS Fitch, a destroyer in the North Atlantic. When volunteers were needed for the submarine service Richard stepped forward and served the balance of World War II on the submarine USS Flounder in the Pacific Theater. He earned the rank of Electricians Mate 2nd Class. Richard and his four brothers all proudly gave and served the United States during World War II. After the service he returned home to marry his beloved wife, Shirley L. Roe. He also began his own excavating and paving company. He lived simply and worked non-stop to provide for his family. His hobbies were his vegetable garden and restoring antiques. He was a member of the American Legion Post #1308 in Pine Bush, NY. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of 66 years, at home and his three children: his son, Richard S. Boniface and companion, Cal Livingston of Burlingham; his daughter, Edyth "Dee" Green and husband, Leo "Chuck" Green of Lagrange, NC and his daughter, Elizabeth Smith and her husband, RJ Smith of Pine Bush; grandsons: Jesse Boniface and William Boniface of Middletown; granddaughter, Colleen Acierno and her husband, Angelo of Washingtonville; great-grandchildren: Zachary Palmer of North Carolina and Brandon, Ryan and Bridget Boniface of Pine Bush. He is also survived by his sisters: Helen Eklund, Mary Bruno, Rhoda Murphy, Lillian Babcock and Barbara Burton, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Tonya Green Palmer of North Carolina; his sister, Ruth Gardner; brothers: Thomas, Robert, John, and Edward Boniface. A memorial service to celebrate Richards' life will be held at a date in the future, at the site of his boyhood home in Roosa Gap, NY. Arrangements under the direction of DeWitt Funeral Home, 64 Center Street, Pine Bush, NY.

Richard Boniface

November 5, 1920 - December 16, 2012