Richard Ronald Drosdowich Sr.

Formerly of New Paltz, NY

Richard Ronald Drosdowich Sr., 69, of Newcomb, NY, formerly of New Paltz, died suddenly in the Adirondack Mountains on Thursday, October 9, 2008.

He was born in Yonkers, May 31, 1939, a son of the late John and Anna Estvanik Drosdowich.

After serving three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he moved to Rosendale to start his family and his business, R D Autobody. He later worked for New York State at the Highland Training School and than worked as a Welder at Green Haven Correctional Facility until his retirement.

In 1978, Rick bought a small home in Newcomb, NY, located in the heart of the Adirondacks. Rick called it "God's Country". After spending many weekends and holidays in Newcomb, he finally fulfilled his dream and moved there full time in 2002. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Rick loved sharing this passion with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was a member of numerous sporting clubs in Ulster County and Mohegan Pond Club of the Adirondacks. He also traveled all over the country, touring the United States on his Harley Davidson. Rick lived for the outdoors and riding his Harley.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Joe Millham of Pine Bush; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Bob Farrell of Lowman; daughter and son-in-law, Danette and Alan Ostroff of Lakewood, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Michele Drosdowich Jr. of New Paltz, son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Sue Drosdowich of Vermontville, and daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Shawn Castano of Pleasant Valley. Also survived by two sisters, Dolores Lambertson of Stone Ridge and Stephanie Temple, and her husband, Wayne Temple of Rosendale; 11 grandchildren: Pamela and Amy Millham, Monica and Airman 1st Class David Farrell, Brian and Casey Ostroff, Ricky III and Ryan Drosdowich, Ashley and Amber Drosdowich, and Shawn Castano Jr.; a great-granddaughter, Aailiyah Missere; many nieces, nephews, and friends, including his Newcomb family, the Dillon and Bush families.

Friends may call at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale, on Wednesday evening, October 15, from 6 to 9 p.m.

A Service to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Arlene Dawber will officiate.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 17, at 1 p.m. at Rick's Newcomb house. Following the service, a celebration of Rick's life will be held at the Dillon family estate in Newcomb.

Memorial donations are requested to the Newcomb Fire & Rescue Squad, Rt. 28N, Newcomb, NY, 12852.

Arrangements by Moylan Funeral Home; 845-658-3139.