Richard A. Hensel Sr.

1935 - 2016

Richard A. (Dick) Hensel, Sr. 1935 - 2016
UTICA - Richard A. (Dick) Hensel, Sr., of Utica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2016, in the comfort of his home.
Richard was born on September 21, 1935, to the late Arthur and H. Doris (Tibbits) Hensel. Richard graduated from UFA in 1953. He was married to Florence Locascio Hensel in 1957, and shared a special union of 45 years until her passing in 2002. He worked at and managed Acme Markets from 1954 until their closing in 1979. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he managed OTB in East Utica. Dick spent his summers as a child working at the Scottney Farm in Bridgewater, and continued to go there throughout his life, which brought him much happiness.
He is survived by his sons, Richard and Denise DeStefano Hensel and David and Sarah Bice Hensel; his daughters, Donna and Jeff Monaski and Karen Hensel, his faithful and committed caretaker since 2003; eight grandchildren, Anthony and Gina Hensel, Carissa and Carmen Jones, Amber Hensel and Carlos Rodriguez, Matthew Hensel and his fiancee, Susanne Turner, David Hensel and Brittany Amado, Roseanna Monaski and Paul Dodson, Rick Hensel and Tori Guzski, and Jared Hensel; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Joan Cassidy; sisters-in-law, Mary Carrock and Theresa Hahn; and brother-in-law, Barney Zurek. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by extended family, Deborah Fontaine, Santina Ward, and Norm Seakan & family. He was predeceased by sisters, Jean Zurek and Carol Maher, and his brother, Doug Hensel. Richard also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Pudge.
Richard was a silent giver who will be remembered for his smile, generosity and heart of gold. He lived life to the fullest, which was evident in his strong will to overcome the many health obstacles he faced throughout the years.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Special Care Unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their care and compassion shown to Richard and his family during his stay there, and to Hospice Care, especially Mary Ellen and Georgia.
Calling hours are Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Whitesboro. Richard's funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial will commence on Thursday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.
By family request, please omit floral donations.
Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.dfwefh.com.