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Rick Friend Obituary
May 30, 1960-October 16, 2016
Rick Friend, of Newark Valley, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 16, 2016 as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 28 years, Andrea (Woods) Friend, son Christopher T. Friend, daughter Meredith A. Friend, parents Ray and Joy Friend, sister Yvette (Thomas) Papasodero, father and mother-in-law Bill and Joann Woods, brother-in-law Bill (Roxanne) Woods, nieces Gemma and Lindsay Papasodero, nephews Bradyn Woods and T.J. Papasodero, and many close friends. Rick was born in Buckinghamshire, England and was a proud graduate of the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England. Shortly after emigrating, he earned his M.A.T. from Binghamton University. A veteran Social Studies teacher at Union Endicott High School, Rick was much beloved by his students year after year. He delighted in keeping in touch with his students as they ventured into adulthood, many for years and decades. He acted for many years as U.E.'s Mock Trial advisor and particularly enjoyed shaping the skills of these special students.
As proud of he was of his students, Rick found his greatest pride in the successes and accomplishments of his children. Rick was first and foremost a father. He loved his children with a strength and passion evident to all who knew him. Rick found hope and happiness in the relationships he shared with his loving wife, devoted parents, close friends, and caring community. He found peace in nature and was an enthusiastic hiker. Kind, funny, and immensely loved, Rick was taken from us far too soon. We hope the memory of his life and love and service to his adopted country and community inspires all to live as he would have and as he would wish us to.
His family will receive friends at MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig Street Newark Valley, NY on Thursday October 20th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Owego, on Friday at 11:00 am with final resting in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Rick may consider honoring his legacy of education and contribute toward the continuing education of his children. Memories and condolences may also be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Friend
Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.
John Atkinson
October 12, 2023
Think about you often Rick, always missed good buddy. Aky
John Atkinson
October 13, 2019
Still remember and miss you Rick and all the great memories we had growing up together. I drive past your old home in Burnham weekly and remember walking to school together on our first day at senior school. Our camping nights in Boy Scouts and in our gardens and jumping off your Grandmas shed roof. You will never be forgotten buddy. Till we meet again. John Atkinson
My Uncle loves the Yankees
TJ Papasodero
May 22, 2018
I miss my Uncle and I wish he could come back to live so I can see him and play with him again.
Thomas Papasodero J.R
Lindsay Papasodero
April 17, 2017
Rick Friend was my Uncle. Although we live many hours away, we were still super close. When he came to visit, he would tell me how he was going to plan a trip for me to go to New York and stay in his house. He told me all the things that we would do. My mother, his sister, probably would have NEVER let me go because I would have had to fly by myself, but he would still tell me how he would sneak me in his luggage. My uncle was a very great person. He influenced many people. I truly miss him so much. I can't wait to see him again one day. R.I.P Uncle Rick <3
AMY SHEAHAN
October 20, 2016
I am sure I speak for all of mr. Friends students when I say he was an extraordinary teacher. He took the time and made certain each of us understood the material and understood what was expected of us as a student. He was also a sort of friend that we all looked up to. He made class entertaining and interesting with his adorable English accent. He will always be remembered as my favorite history teacher. He will truly be missed... so sorry for your loss
Debi and Steve Simmons
October 20, 2016
Our hearts are heavy at the passing of Rick. Our kids had the pleasure of having him as a teacher and our youngest also in mock trial. Like so many others, he was the topic of conversation, many nights. So very sorry for your loss.
Paula Lawrence
October 20, 2016
My prayers for you and the family at this very sad time.
October 19, 2016
He was an amazing person, and shared my love for military movies and books. My favorite teacher ever taken away far too soon. Was extremely excited to do mock trial with him but I no longer will be doing so.
Jean Russell
October 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Steve Northam
October 19, 2016
Rick and I had known each other since we were 4 yrs old, and we shared many memories from our formative years that time and distance do not seem to have diminished. Though we had only seen each other once in the last 40 years, social media helped us to remain in touch. I was so sure in my mind that we would have another opportunity to catch up and reminisce over a few beers sometime, somewhere - but now it's not to be, and he will be very sorely missed.
My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Andrea, Chris and Meredith, though no words could ever be enough I'm sure.
Ward Family
October 18, 2016
"Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your love one. I pray you are surrounded by close friends and family for support. I pray also the God of love and comfort give you strength to cope with your loss."
John Atkinson
October 18, 2016
Rick you were a true friend and I have so very many happy memories of growing up with you in Burnham Buckinghamshire England. Condolences to all your family I will never forget you.
Kevin Hawley
October 18, 2016
Thank you sir for the knowledge he have bestowed upon my son in your classroom, very few teachers have the impact you have had on my son... He would often talk of you after school. My sincere condolences to your family and Gods speed. Semper Fidelis
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
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Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
MacPherson Funeral Home - Newark Valley5 Whig Street P.O. Box 575, Newark Valley, NY 13811
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MacPherson Funeral Home - Newark Valley5 Whig Street P.O. Box 575, Newark Valley, NY 13811
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