Obituary of R. Richard Folk

Delmar - R. Richard (Dick) Folk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of R. Richard (Dick) Folk, who passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023 at the age of 94. Dick was born in Sharon, PA on March 16, 1929 and was the only child of Roy and Elizabeth Folk.  He grew up in western Pennsylvania and graduated from Westminster College with a bachelor’s in music education.  During the Korean War he served in the US Army Band, playing trombone. He graduated from Columbia University with his master’s degree in music education, which he attended on the GI Bill.  He taught music at Irvington Middle School and Ridge Street Elementary School in Rye Brook, NY for many years.  Displaying an admirable work ethic, he also worked before and after school at the Irvington Post Office.  Upon his retirement from teaching, he worked at the post office full time.

He met and married his wife Joan in 1978 and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage together.  They lived for many years in Westchester County, NY.  Dick and Joan moved to Lansdale, PA upon his retirement and in 2005 moved to Delmar, NY to be closer to family.

Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle with a gentle spirit and a kind and generous heart.  He was a season ticket holder of the NY Giants and loved college football.  Dick and Joan enjoyed extensive travel throughout Europe and the Caribbean.  He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, sang weekly in the choir, and played trombone during holiday services. He was a long-time participant in the Jubilate Choir and performed in their annual concert for many years.

Dick was tragically predeceased by his daughter Lisa in January of 2002.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Joan, his son Drew, son-in-law Robert Johansen, grandchildren Arlie and Robby Johansen, Brittany Cardosa, and Brandon Goncalves, great granddaughters Delilah and Olivia and a nephew Michael Kane. He enjoyed a special bond with his three surviving nephews and their families: Daniel and Cheryl Libutti, James and Michele Libutti, and Michael and Jaime Libutti and grandnieces and grandnephews Michaela, Jenna, Olivia, Alec, Sophie, Melina, Kaiden, and Kane Libutti.

He will be deeply missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave. Delmar  on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00am with burial to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.