Obituary of Richard A. DeVries

Dr. Richard Alan DeVries                      

Age 72 born in Queens, New York passed at his home Thursday January 11, 2024, Coeymans Hollow, New York after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease and pancreatic cancer.

Son of Carlton and Florence “Linda” DeVries (Deceased), survived by his wife of 43 years Dr. Nina Stephens Caires; Siblings Steven DeVries (Julia) and Cathy Stark; Cousin Dr. Doug Brum; Nephew Mat Stark (Julie); Niece Allie Stark (Jonathan); Niece Makenzie Rose (Simon); Neice Paige DeVries; friends Richard and Karla Miller, and many close friends and family members.

A graduate of SUNY, Albany, NY (BA) and Cornell’s NYS College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY (DVM), DeVries did his Internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, MA. He practiced veterinary medicine at Emerald Hill Small Animal Hospital in Feura Bush, NY and opened Parkside Veterinary Hospital in Albany, NY in 1983 with his wife Dr. Nina Caires.

Rich attracted countless people to whom he offered friendship, mentorship, brotherhood, and love. A key role he played in life was being the voice for hundreds of animals he treated during his practice.

Rich was a quiet, dignified man but had a deep, wry sense of humor and his story telling talent was unsurpassed. But within his thoughtful, brilliant mind, he spoke what he meant and had an unwavering strength.

He was an intent listener and was able to give incredible advice, support, and help. In Rich’s voice, you could hear his fantastic deep laugh; you could hear his dedication to family, friends, and pets; you could feel his warmth, along with his respect and his intense appreciation for life, nature, and people. He took nothing for granted. Witnessing his quiet acceptance of life and his journey, was to understand that he was stoic, practical, and kind.

After retiring in 2013, Rich continued his passion for hiking, cycling, gardening, and hunting. But his favorite time spent was with good friends and close family at his home in Coeymans Hollow, NY.

Visiting hours will be at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054 on Wednesday January 17, 2024, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A private service for family and friends will be in the Spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of the following two organizations:

MSPCA Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02130

The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205