Obituary of Richard Drew VanScoy

Richard D. VanScoy was gently walked to his forever home by his wife of 58 years on December 15 in the haven they built overlooking their hometown, Candor, New York. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Mary Lou (Robinson) VanScoy and his sister Emily (VanScoy) Williams. After graduating from Candor High School, Richard attended Hamilton College with the intention of entering a medical field but is still on an official leave of absence from his graduate studies at Cornell University after joining his father in the family business, Ward and VanScoy (for all your feedin’, seedin’ and hardware needin’), in 1966. He was a 20+ year member of the Candor school board, on the Candor Chamber of Commerce, and a life-long member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. His faith and service to his church community could be seen everywhere from Vestry meetings in the basement to the lectern to the choir loft attempting the bass (and sometimes a jaunty tenor) line. Listener beware! An avid fan of all types of music, he was pigeon-holed into showtunes and schmaltz in the Candor Community Chorus. He was able to try on all kinds of roles and dance steps by sleeping with the director (his wife), such as Captain Hook, Horace Vandergelder, and the topless Potiphar. Richard was a devoted champion of underdogs and hater of the New York Yankees (except when it came to Polly). He loved mowing and listening to a baseball game on the radio – preferably with a Utica Club in hand. He was happiest when napping with a grandbaby on his chest. He could discuss opera, corn futures, and the judicial implications of the Kyrias Joel decision with unbridled passion. He was a role model, friend, and father-figure to all who entered his loud and loving home. Richard is survived by his wife, Hope (Barden) VanScoy and his eight children: Rebecca (Scott Bauer) Curkendall, Heather (Ross) Gullo, William (Raysheall) VanScoy, Jonathan VanScoy, Heidi VanScoy Butt, Phoebe (Scott) VanScoy-Giessler, Kwasi (Rachel) VanScoy, and Yaw VanScoy. In addition, he was Papa to David Cynoske; Asia and Calvin Curkendall; Pierce and Mercedes Bauer; Kate, Annie, Sophie, and Tessa Gullo; Tyray and Tyra VanScoy; Emily (Joao Amaro) VanScoy, Jake (Emily Brass) VanScoy; Mia Haner; Abigail, Madeline, and Jon Butt; Thomas, Elliott and Gabriel Giessler; and Zyir and Nyah VanScoy. He leaves a nephew Kevin (Suzanne) Williams along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws (and out-laws) and a community of those affected by his service, actions and kindnesses. The family will receive friends at Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Candor, NY on Sunday, January 2, 2022 from 1-3 PM. Masks are mandatory. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 17 Main St., Candor, New York. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Marklove Organ Maintenance Fund), 17 Main Street, Candor, New York 13743 or your personal house of worship. Condolences may be made to Richard’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com