Combes, Richard Paul

Richard Paul Combes, 88 years old of Mamaroneck, N.Y. passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2012. He was born in Port Chester, N.Y on August 1, 1923. He is the son of Dr. Frank Combes and Jane Draddy Jennings previously of Rye, New York. He is survived by his loving daughter, Denise Combes-Spero, and grandson Sean M. Spero of Cary, NC.

After graduating from High School in 1943, Mr. Combes joined the Army and was stationed in Germany with the 84th Cavalry Division. During WWII he served as a Private and Surgical Medical Technician in campaigns across all of Europe. His career in the service was uprooted when wounded and honorably discharged. Mr.Combes bravery and service led to being awarded three purple hearts and two bronze stars for valor. He is inducted in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, NY. When the war ended he joined the postal service in New Rochelle, N.Y. and retired after 40 years of service.

Richard was a model of courage, humility and optimism. He instilled his high sense of duty, hard work and ethics to his family. He had a passion for nature and all of its beauty. He was also an avid motorcycle rider, NY Yankees fan and enjoyed smoking his pipe.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Osborn Retirement Home for their care, compassion and ensuring Mr.Combes dignity during his last years.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, January 31, from 11:30a.m - 1:30p.m. at The Osborn, 101 Theall Rd. Rye, NY. A blessing in the chapel will be held at 11:30 a.m. followed by a lunch reception.

A funeral with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery and a private memorial service at Kenisco Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y.

Last May, Mr.Combes visited the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C through the generosity of the Honor Flight of Long Island Program. In lieu of flowers, you may visit honorflightlongisland.org if you wish to make a donation.

To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Jan. 30, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Combes

20 Entries

March 15, 2012

Denise...sorry to read about the loss of Richard...I really enjoyed his visits to Tennessee when I was a kid and listen to his childhood and about dad in his younger years...Frank C. Combes, III Hixson,Tennessee

February 1, 2012

Dick was a most interesting, colorful, and unforgettable character. I enjoyed our many conversations over the years we spent working at the USPS. He made a great sacrifice and contribution during WWII to helping preserve our American way of life.
Greg Mercurio

Dorene Coletti Alleva

January 31, 2012

Dear Denise,
My deepest condolences to you, Sean, and your mom on the passing of your dear dad. Your profound love for your dad showed in everything you did to ensure his happiness and comfort. We all felt this special bond today at his celebration of life, which you orchestrated so beautifully at the stately Osborn Home. I'm so glad I could be a part of this afternoon to honor an American war hero, a proud father and grandfather, and a friend to many. Rest in peace, Mr. Combes. Love & friendship, Dorene

January 31, 2012

Thinking of you Denise! Hoping you find comfort and peace in all of your memories, and the love of family and friends!! You and your family are in our hearts! Becky & Scott

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Stacey Husted

January 30, 2012

Denise, Mike, and Sean,

I am so sorry for the loss of you Dad. Please know you are in my thoughts, in my heart. My deepest condolences. Stacey Husted and family, BX, NY

Joseph DiRollo

January 30, 2012

I started working at the New Rochelle Post Office 24 years ago and your father taught me alot of the ins and outs of how the postal service works. Along the way telling me about his service during WWII. It was people like your father that made the Post Office a wonderful place to work. I miss those days and I will certainly miss your father. May god bless him.

Frank Sung

January 30, 2012

Dear Denise, Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I know that he meant the world to you. May Our Lord give you and your family the peace that surpasses all understanding as you honor him with your memories and tears and celebrate his life.

Gerard Russo

January 30, 2012

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.

Susan Black

January 30, 2012

Denise, my sympathy to you and your family. It sounds like your father had a very rich and full life and many were blessed by his contributions.

Diana Favia

January 30, 2012

Denise, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.....

January 30, 2012

Denise, We are sorry to hear about your father's passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Gregory and Monica Thomas

s. mantell

January 30, 2012

Dear Denise,
It was my great pleasure to have visited with your dad many times over the years while I was visiting at The Osborn. His ever-present charm and dignity, and friendly, funny good humor were a delight! He spoke of you often, and lovingly, and his cell was a precious possession -- so he knew you were never far. Your father shared his remarkable military experiences, John Wayne movies, and in recent years was a living example of the phrase, "Bloom where you're planted." He was a great guy, and loved being in the garden. His passing is a heartfelt loss to all who had the honor of knowing him. I wish you and your family abiding comfort in your sweet memories of your fun, brave, loving father.

January 30, 2012

January 29, 2012

Dear Denise, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He sounds like a very brave and remarkable man.. Much love and prayers to you and your family. Rich and Linda Johnson

Liam Schatten

January 29, 2012

Dear Denise,

We are so sorry for your loss and you and your family have our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this tragic moment. Your dad was a hero and helped save the world. God bless him.

Liam & Diana

January 29, 2012

Dearest Nisee and family, our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers are with you all. I am so sorry that I never got a chance to meet you Dad, his bravery and honor towards his country are heroic. Thinking of you, Roe, Charlie, Stephen, Nicole and Bella Maltrotti

Lori Forbes

January 29, 2012

So sorry for your loss Denise. Your dad is a true representative of an American hero. I am sending much love and prayers to you and your family.

Nellie and Bret Scott

January 28, 2012

Denise and family, our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your father. Clearly a remarkable man and member of "The Greatest Generation" that defined pride and honor. We know too well the void that will be left in your lives and can only hope that his memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our thoughts are with you.

Amiet

January 28, 2012

Dear Denise and family,

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He lead a wonderfully full life and I hope you will have many wonderful memories of his bravery, spirit, and the many special times you shared. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

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