Richard J. LeFeber

Richard J. LeFeber

CATTARAUGUS - I am Richard J. LeFeber, but my friends and family call me Rick. My life was an amazing adventure until Saturday (March 8, 2025), when I passed from this world into the loving hands of my Savior, Jesus. My friends will tell you that I now have a whole new audience for my stories and jokes! Hallelujah!

I was born in Buffalo on Feb. 17, 1945, to Edward "Kip" and Sylvia Hoth LeFeber. I have one brother, Terry LeFeber, who by the grace of God survives.

I graduated from Orchard Park School in 1963 and during my teenage years I went to live with my stepparents, George and Judy Kassman. My stepsiblings are John Markulis, Jennifer Markulis Berke, Donavan Fentzke and Tracey Kassman Hocieniec.

Upon graduating from school, I worked at Bethlehem Steel with some men who taught me how NOT to work. I then joined the U.S. Army and learned how TO work and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 as a 1st lieutenant, receiving the Bronze Star.

I met the love of my life, Lynn Brooks, while attending SUNY Fredonia and we were married on Oct. 10, 1970. Graduating from Fredonia in 1972 with a degree in business administration and sociology, I then attended Drake University in Iowa for my MBA.

My wife and I have two sons. Our first is Brooks Bishoff LeFeber (named after Lynn's family name and my best friend in college) and he lives with his wife Carrie in Little Valley. Our second is Avran Kassman LeFeber (named after Lynn's two sisters, Avion and Randy, and my stepparents) and he lives in Breckenridge, Colo.

For 25 years, I was a marketing consultant for several local, regional, national and international companies. Most recently, I was the founder and executive director of the Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation (CLDC) as a volunteer. Our three major projects are: (1) developing the 12 mile Senator Pat McGee Trail from Cattaraugus to the Salamanca City line (now part of Allegany State Park); (2) developing the 1,100 acre Enchanted Lake property we received as a gift into the James A. Zaepfel Nature Sanctuary and Research Center (Zaepfel). We donated 349 parcels (250 acres) to a newly formed Homeowners Association so that the existing owners of cabins and homes could meet sewer and water standards. That left 850 acres for Zaepfel, of which 547 acres were turned into a federal conservation easement in perpetuity. Programs for disabled veterans are currently taking place at Zaepfel with more expanded programs planned for the future; (3) creating a USDA Revolving Loan Fund for small businesses and start-ups funded by two federal grants. I would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who worked with us on all these projects.

I was a member of the American Legion and a life-time member of the VFW. There are no buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor. But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. In summary, I had a wonderful life. How much more blessed can a person be? So, in the end, remember… do your best, follow your star, never let anybody steal your dream and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling.

My earthly story is finished, my heavenly one is just beginning.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be sent to CLDC-Zaepfel Nature Center, c/o Dan Martonis, P.O. Box 1, Cattaraugus, NY 14719; Liberty Park Cemetery, 135 South St., Cattaraugus, NY 14719; or Veterans 4 Christ, c/o Pastor Wes Tessey, P.O. Box 144, Cattaraugus, NY 14719.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley, where online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.