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Richard Stearns Obituary
Rev. Richard H.
Poughkeepsie, NY: The Rev. Richard H. Stearns, former Sr. Pastor of Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church in Brighton, NY, passed away on April 4 in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was 81.
He served the Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years, retiring from ministry in 1995 after 13 years as senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, CT and 11 years at Twelve Corners in Brighton, from 1972 to 1981. Before that, he served at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City and First Presbyterian Church of Hominy, OK.
He was a gifted communicator in the pulpit and as storyteller to his grandchildren. He had a grateful, caring heart, wonderful wit and intellect, and lived life as a celebration, his spirit fed by deep roots and joy of family and a passion for sailing and music.
He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Eleanor Worsham Stearns, and parents Harry and Helene Stearns of Englewood, NJ. He is survived by his sister Charlotte Stearns of Poughkeepsie, NY, four children, Cheryl Stearns Huber of Newark, DE, Lisa Stearns of Hingham, MA, Richard H. Stearns Jr. of Newark, DE and Robert J. Stearns of East Hampton, NY and six grandchildren Ryan, Lauren and Caitlyn Huber and Heather, Jeffrey and Alyssa Stearns.
He graduated from Colgate University in 1954 and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1960. Prior to his ministry, he was a captain in the U.S. Air Force.
Friends are invited to a viewing and visit with family Sat. April 12 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at First and Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DE., followed immediately by interment at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Wilmington, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Richard's name to the American Heart Association. For online condolences, please visit chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Stearns
V.C.
April 24, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
American Heart Association
April 18, 2014
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
April 11, 2014
Cheryl, Thinking of you. You were so blessed to have this wonderful man as your dad. I remember his smile. He lives on in you.
Ann Marie, Rochester, NY
April 11, 2014
Cheryl, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Know that your father is enjoying his peaceful next chapter and giving his family and friends his peace as well. All our best to you. Sincerely, Frank & Johna
Jane Erskine VanVoorhis
April 10, 2014
Cheryl, Lisa, Rick and Bob, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I fondly remember your time at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church. May your faith, family and friends be of comfort during this sad time.
April 10, 2014
My condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends. I hope that the shared moments and laughter bring you peace during this difficult time. I pray that you can draw consolation and hope from the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)
April 10, 2014
Lisa,and family, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May all your wonderful memories help you through this very hard time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Louise and Richard Gundersen
Jeanette McKell
April 10, 2014
I will always cherish the memories I have of your dad. He was like a father to me when I lost my dad at a young age.
So glad I was able to reconnect with him a few years ago. Sending you hugs and will be thinking of you and your siblings.
Debi and Rick Chute
April 10, 2014
Lisa,Rick and I are so sorry for your loss..Our deepest sympathy.
American Heart Association
April 9, 2014
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Robin & Bruce Campbell
April 9, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joyce and Ed Ryan
April 9, 2014
We wish to extend our Sympathy to the Stearn's Family. Cheryl, Lisa. Rick, Bob and Charlotte....Your Dad and Brother, has been one of our favorite people
in our life. I always looked forward to
going to church and enjoying his sermons. They always were meaningful and usually had a connection of what was happening in our lives... we are greatful for his talent as he was teaching God's word. May all your fond memories help you at this difficult time. We send you love and hugs from us.
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Your Mom and Dad have always been wonderful people that we have enjoyed the days and years we were able to part of yours lives and spend time together at First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich Ct. Love to all.
April 7, 2014
Dear Cheryl, Rick and family,
Thinking of you and sending prayers as you remember your Dad. I so enjoyed reading about his life and ministry. From one PK to another, we are truly blessed to have both had dads who had such a strong faith that we learned from. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Love,
Vicki (Smith)
April 7, 2014
Dear Lisa, Cheryl, Rick and Bob-
As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich since 1982, I was befriended by your dad and worked with him on the session of the church for many years. He and your mother were both constant presensces in my life, and I shall miss them both greatly. Dick always knew how to get me to volunteer; he would call me late at night when he knew I would be half asleep and wouldn't be awake or smart enough to say no! My condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of both Dick and Eleanor, and you all.
God Bless,
Jonathan Pruett, Old Greenwich
April 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies to you all. I have fond memories of the time your family shared with us at Twelve Corners Church in Rochester and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Erskine
Jon Wilson
April 7, 2014
Rev. Stearns is remembered with true affection by the people of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Roger Hartman remembers how he sought out Rev. Stearns who at the time was serving at Hominy, OK. Roger recalls, "They were unhappy with us"-a testimony to how he was coveted as a pastor. Deus requieum in ad aeternum.
Michelle Harris
April 6, 2014
Lisa, Cheryl, Rick and Bob - Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. He was very blessed to have lived such a full, happy life surrounded by his loving family. We hope that all of your wonderful memories will bring you comfort during this painful time.
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