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Richard Alan Walrad
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Richard Walrad Obituary
Richard (Rick) Alan Walrad was born on May 29, 1962 in Cortland, New York and grew up in Moravia. He died on August 11, 2025 at Auburn Community Hospital in Auburn, age 63. He is survived by his Aunt Evie and Uncle Ted Mattes from Union Springs.
Rick served in the US Army, 101st Airborne Division, 63rd Chemical Company as a Chemical Operations Specialist. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Rick enlisted on Feb 26, 1980 and discharged his full obligation in 1986. After his military service, Rick graduated from culinary school and worked as a chef throughout his life. He loved the building trades, but especially carpentry. He helped rebuild homes in Florida at hurricane recovery sites. In Auburn he worked for Homsite, helping rehab many homes in the area.
Despite challenges that Rick faced in his life, he was determined to give back to the community. He graduated from Unity House's PROsperity program and began volunteering with Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity beginning in 2018. He contributed over 4000 hours restoring homes for families in Auburn. Rick took the extra step of training to be a Habitat for Humanity International certified "Competent Person", and served as a Construction Manager for volunteer work teams. His talent brought many renovation projects over the finish line!
Along with being an excellent teacher on construction sites, Rick was a good and loyal friend. He was a history buff and avid collector of coins and movies, especially vintage horror, and enjoyed sharing his interests with others. His personality was larger than life and his "say it like it is" attitude will be remembered by all who knew him. Rick's close friends and Habitat family will miss him.
Friends are invited to call Thursday, August 14 from 4pm to 6 pm at the Plis Funeral Home, 220 State St., Auburn. Burial will be in North Lansing Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a gift in Rick's memory may donate to nonprofits that meant a lot to him: Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York; or the Wounded Warriors Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Walrad
Sponsored by Plis Funeral Home, Inc. - Auburn.
3 Entries
Judy
Yesterday
So sorry, Richard, thank you for your service and RIP! Judy Leonard neighbor.
Larry Pidgeon
August 14, 2025
I met Rick when I became a supervisor at Habitat for Humanity. They warned me about Ricks spicy attitude. I quickly earned Rick's respect due to experience in the construction field. We became good friends over the next three years and I feel that as Rick declined in health that he felt that habitat was in good hands. I will strive to continue to move forward with fond memories of his hardworking and dedication to Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity. He will be remembered by all that work along side of him. May god bless you and keep you Sir Rick.
Charlene (Durgan) Powers
August 14, 2025
Oh my goodness where do I begin with fond memories? I have known you all of your life. I was your babysitter for years and was always there for you. I lost touch with you over time but I always asked about you to your mom and our Aunt Evie Mattes and our Uncle Allan Maynard. Rest in peace my friend (cousin). Thank you for touching my life with love.
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