Richard S. Gillette
New Oxford
Richard Stephen Gillette, 81, died peacefully on March 18, 2017 in New Oxford. Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Burt; son Stephen; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and granddaughter, Madeleine, all of Burlingame, CA; and sister, Sandra Curren of Highland Mills, NY.
Richard was a generous and loving man who was deeply dedicated to serving his country and community. Richard was born July 21, 1935 in New York, NY, to parents, Gerard and Lillian "Sandy" (Dewarde) Gillette, and grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and later pursued his education at SUNY New Paltz, NY.
Richard and Pat settled in Goshen, NY in 1961 and called it home for 53 years. Richard was a constant and dedicated figure in the Goshen community. He was an English teacher at Goshen Central High for 35 years, and was elected Town Justice six times, and held that office for 24 years. He was a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Minisink Fire Department, and a Lions Club member.
Richard will return home for burial at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 2 p.m.
Richard was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and uncle. His love of family, community, country and puns will not be forgotten.