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Richard Fearnside Obituary
NISKAYUNA - Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Richard Fearnside, 69, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Niskayuna, N.Y.
Born and raised in Albany, Richard led a distinguished 35-year career in the Army. Enlisting in 1974, he began as an infantryman and held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his service. Due to his exceptional leadership and performance, his career culminated as the Command Sergeant Major of the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow) in Troy, where he led the Division during their deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, retiring in 2009.
Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, and the Combat Action Badge, among others.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jane Fearnside, and his sister, Joan Fearnside O'Rourke. He is survived by his three children, Jeffrey, Matthew, and Brittany Fearnside; his three grandchildren, Ryan and Morgan Fearnside, and Teagan Blanc; his brother, Earl (Sandy), his wife, Anne (Sissy) Fearnside and their children, Megan Whitford, Kevin Fearnside, Patrick Johnson, and Kim Huntoon; as well as his sister, Bonnie Paige and her children, Harrison and Olivia Paige; as well as his late sister, Joan's, children, Patrick and Marin O'Rourke.
He will be lovingly remembered by his friends and family for his deep passion for the Army and his immense pride and joy in the growth and many accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., St. Vincent De Paul Church, Madison Ave., Albany, N.Y., where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, N.Y., with military honors, immediately following the Mass.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's honor to the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. For more information, visit johnnymac.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Fearnside
CSM(ret) John J. Willsey
September 7, 2025
CSM, we are commemorating the 20years since our deployment to IRAQ and OIF III on 20 September 2025 at the Saratoga Hilton, you are not forgotten. Rainbow, Never Forget!
Joan Sullivan, COL(ret)
September 4, 2024
CSM Fearnside was a true leader of his Soldiers. They looked to him as a mentor and leaders looked to him for his communication with Soldiers. Be at peace CSM. Joan Sullivan COL (ret)
Mark Heffner
September 2, 2024
Our sincerest condolences to the Fearnside family. Rest in peace Hero.
Lee & Mark Heffner
John Wands Sacca
September 1, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with the CSM in the mid-1980's at Glenmore Road, HHC, 1st Bde, 42 ID. Richard was a gentleman and a splendid soldier. Please accept my sincere condolences. God bless!
Bill Watson
September 1, 2024
So very sorry for the loss of a great soldier and friend.
MG(R) Joe Taluto
September 1, 2024
From Susan and I our sincere condolences to the Fearnside family. I knew CSM Fearnside to be an honorable and dedicated soldier who demonstrated his outstanding soldier skills throughout his entire career leading to his selection to be a combat leader in the 42nd Division. I am sure you are all proud of his service as we are. I know how proud he was of his children as he spoke frequently about them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
MG(R) Joe Taluto.
D.Bradt
August 31, 2024
CSM Richard Fearnside and I worked together at the New York Army National Guard's Safety Office for several years and I always enjoyed his frank opinions and feedback while working with the troops and fulltime members of the Guard family. Richard was alway a professional soldier and he was a wealth of information, he was a can-do soldier. RIP and see you next on "Fiddler's Green"
May you find comfort in your memories and in the warm sympathy that goes out to you today.
Brigadier General (NYSRL) Daniel Bradt
R Sloma
August 31, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the entire Fearnside family. Our prayers and wishes for comfort and peace. CSM Fearnside was dedicated to the Army and his Soldiers and it was an honor to have known him. Col. (Ret.) Rich & Susan Sloma & family.
James Vartigian
August 31, 2024
My condolences to the entire Fearnside family. I had the honor of serving with Dick for many years and he was a true professional soldier. He will be missed. LTC Jim Vartigian (ret).
Kris and Izzy Bateman
August 31, 2024
God Bless his memory, our condolences to his family.
RIP Warrior
Mr and Mrs SSG Bateman
John A Yule
August 31, 2024
My wife Ruth and I both served with Richard and have many wonderful memories. We extend our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Ruth and John Yule
Neil Mitchell
August 31, 2024
My sincere condolence to Richard's family....I went to grade school and high school ....he was a good man....what a fulfilled life.god bless see you on the other side
CSM(ret) John J Willsey
August 30, 2024
CSM Fearnside served his state and nation with honor. He, as is his charge, upheld the values and traditions of the Famous 42d Infantry "Rainbow" Division. Rainbow CSM, Never Forget!
George Brett
August 30, 2024
My condolence to the Fearnside Family. I served in Richard´s NCO Corps. I enjoyed visiting him in Tikrit, Iraq. I ran into him often after his retirement. He was an outstanding Soldier and CSM.
Rainbow
George Brett CSM (ret.)
Vince Memole
August 30, 2024
Deepest condolences to your entire family. The CSM was my CSM in both the 27th BDE and when I was in Iraq. He was always a total professional in everything he did.
Frank Wicks
August 30, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I served with Dick since 1987. He was a great Soldier and it was an honor to know and serve with him.
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