Ballston Spa, New York
1947 - 2017
Ballston Spa – Richard Joseph Requa passed away suddenly on July 6, 2017 at the age of 69. He was born in Rochester NY on December 11, 1947 to the late Joseph and Margaret LaReouch Requa.
Rick graduated from Paul Smiths College with a degree in Forestry. After graduation Rick began a life of dedication and service, both to his country and his local communities. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge from the armed forces in 1970. Rick went to work for EnCon and became a NYS Forest Ranger for 28 years retiring in 2004. He continued public service as an employee of the Town of Milton, a volunteer fireman for Eagle-Matt Lee, a former member of Rock City Falls Fire Department, and an EMT for the Saratoga flat track. Rick was a man of many talents, an avid outdoorsman, and a black belt in karate.
Rick was a life member of the Greenfield Fire Company and also VFW Post 358 and Henry Cornell American Legion Post 234 of Ballston Spa.
Aside from his dedication to his nation and community, Rick was dedicated to his loving wife, Sandra and their loving animals, Murphy and Simon. Rick is also survived by a sister in law Nancy Morrissey, a nephew Mike Morrissey (Christine) and Great nieces Laura and Maggie and Great Nephew Sean. His adopted family Philip, Bonnie, Jared, Stacy, and Austin Stenglein. Close friends, the Irene Hogan family, many other close friends, his Aunt Shirley, cousins and his many brothers and sisters in public service.
In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by several aunts and uncles.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A service will be performed at 7pm by the volunteers of VFW Post 358.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, by Father Francis Vivacqua, Parochial Vicar.
Burial with military honors will follow at 1pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Richard’s memory to the NYS Forest Rangers Scholarship Fund (PO Box 72, Warrensburg, NY 12885) or Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Department (35 Washington Street, Ballston Spa).
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
Worked with Rick at the start of his career with ENCON at the Saratoga State Tree Nursery. Planted many a tree with him. A good man with a warm heart.
Ray Davis
July 18, 2017 | Santa Rosa, CA
Sandy we are so sorry to hear about Rick We couldn't believe it when we were told. We had so much fun on all of our trainings with him mainly the Search and Rescue trainings. Rich was such a dear friend we will miss him dearly. RIP dear friend!
Bim & Gail Vandenburg
July 14, 2017 | Edinburg, NY
So sorry Sandy for your great loss. The crew at the Kettle Restaurant and the customers will miss his conversations and many stories. He was a great man. Rest in peace Ranger Rick.
Barry & Linda Barndt
July 13, 2017 | Schenectady, NY
Worked together for years. A true gentleman and one of the most straight-forward men I have had the pleasure of meeting.
Bob Henke
July 12, 2017 | Argyle, NY
We shared Paul Smith's, the US Army and the NYS Forest Rangers. Thanks for your friendship and your service. You and Sandy are in my prayers.
John Gillen
July 12, 2017 | New Providence, PA
My so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Rick and I were close friends as teenagers. We first met while cadets in the civil air patrol. We remained close for many more years along with or other best pal Bob. The three of us spend many years roaming the woods around Canadice Lake. And also found time for some road trips to Toronto Canada, Gettysburg Pa., Washington DC.. We lost contact while the two of served in the US Army. We resumed are friendship after the Army. And the three of us along with...
Richard VanHooydonk
July 11, 2017 | Rochester, NY
Sorry to hear of Ricks passing.He was a good friend.We worked together years back when he was a forest ranger and I a fire warden.We also spent time together as members of Eagle Matt Lee fire police . Just recently he took time out of his day to visit me when I was hospitalized.and also shared my recent birthday celebration with me. He will be truly missed .RIP,RANGER RICK !
Richard Mabb
July 11, 2017 | Mechanicville, NY
So sorry to hear of Ranger Ricks passing. We worked together years back when he was a forest ranger and I worked under him as a fire warden. We both spent time together as FIre Police @ Eagle Matt Lee.He was a very close friend . Just recently when I was hospitalized for 6 days ,he took time out of his day to come visit me,and recently shared a birthday celebration with me. I will miss him dearly. RIP RANGER RICK !,
Rick Mabb
July 11, 2017 | Mechanicville, NY
Ranger ! You will be sorely missed. Thank you for the training you provided over the years. I will miss our chats at the firehouse. May you lay to rest now and enjoy your new eternal life under the wings of your Lord.
Stan D
July 11, 2017 | NY