Richard H. Crooker, Age 90, of Savona NY went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 5, 2023. Born July 26, 1932 in Caton, NY to the late Walter and Sadie Crooker. Richard married Gladys Patricia Cole on October 23, 1954. They celebrated their love with 69 years of marriage.
Richard was a Medic and served in the US Army during the Korean War. For 37 years he worked as a Signal man for the Railroad. He walked many miles of tracks in his years with the railroad. At age 55 he retired and took to the road, traveling with Gladys all across the country in their camper. They spent many winters in Arizona or their Florida Home. Dick and Gladys had a passion for Country and Bluegrass Music. Dick had a woodworking shop and would pick up old instruments and rebuild them. Each instrument has a special story. Every instrument was passed down to one his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He once built his own Bass from scratch.
As a young child Dick could always be found tinkering on some type of machinery. The story was told, you could always find Dick out in the old sheep barn tinkering on something. He carried that passion all through his life. His hobby was rebuilding tractors. He was an avid racer in his younger days. Racing was in his blood. He passed that down to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He could always be found at the racetrack. He found great pleasure in being a part of the Crooker Family Race Team.
Richard is survived by; children: Doreen (Robert) Williams of Tinmouth, Vermont, Richard (Joanne) Crooker Jr. of Litchfield, New Hampshire, Alan (Dolores) Crooker of Savona, New York, Josephine (Wayne) Metarko of Addison, New York; grandchildren: Bobbi Jean (Michael) Raiche, Christopher (Alyssa) Williams, Jesse (Sarah) Williams, Greg (Heidi) Crooker, Kreg Crooker, Amanda (Chad) Atkinson, and Ashley (Jared) Fentz; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 2:00pm at Elmwood Cemetery in Caton, Pastor Veronica Seeley officiating. Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning has been entrusted with the arrangements.