Mr. Richard R. "Dick" Hough

FLOYD, NY - Mr. Richard R. “Dick” Hough, age 81, unexpectedly went home to the Lord on Sunday, October 31, 2021, surrounded by his family and held in the hearts of those he loved most. Born upstate in Mooers, NY, on August 8, 1940, to the late Joseph and Winifred (Goss) Hough, Dick spent his youth in the hamlet of McKeever, NY. There, he was educated at the Town of Webb School in Old Forge. Following his studies, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958, to proudly serve our country. He was trained at Camp Lejeune in NC and spent time in Parris Island until his honorable discharge in 1962. Dick was exceptionally proud of being a Marine, and in true USMC fashion, held to the mantra: “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He exemplified this lifestyle by his decision to stay a Reservist, even post-discharge. Dick married his bride of 58 years, the former Sylvia Swancott, on March 16, 1963. The pair was an exemplary couple, who consistently prioritized focusing on their family. Dick was a great supporter for his love, Sylvia. They truly had a lovely marriage – one that was blessed with children and much joy. Dick shared countless special moments with both Sylvia and each of his children. He loved to engage in humor, and was quick to laughter and a dish of gentle sarcasm. Dick began his career with employment at BF Moore, where he worked in fuel tank installation and repair. From there, Dick accepted a position at Agway in Brewerton, where he worked until his transfer to Marcy, NY. Finally, in 1984, Dick established his own company – Dick Hough Plumbing and Heating. Dick’s business specialized in his dexterous skillset: installation and repair. He was quite a wonder at his labor, and was glad for the opportunity to showcase his talents. Dick’s attention to detail, his commitment to seeing a job through to completion, and his emphasis on meeting the customer’s need with fair business practices earned him peoples’ trust. He was known for honest and quality service, always preferring to repair before he sought to replace. Dick was an engaging story-teller who could recollect various milestones in his life with vivid detail. His stories were both enchanting and informative, and he relayed them with great delivery and enthusiasm. Moreover, Dick was known to be friendly and hospitable – anyone in need knew that Dick and Sylvia would always make room for you in their home. He was a constant presence with a receptive heart filled with love and affection; he loved unconditionally. Dick was committed to spending time with the children and the grandchildren, both as kids and then as adults. Those traditions and moments were precious to him. He not only desired to be charitable, he gave great advice, and showed great integrity when caring for them. It could be said that Dick truly possessed the knowledge of a child’s heart and he would do anything to entertain and spend time in fun and joyous activities with the little ones. Dick was furthermore a very-involved parent, taking on several leadership positions to ensure his proximity to his children’s many activities. He was their scout leader, especially enjoying the camping and canoe trips. He enjoyed coaching their tee ball and little league teams along with his brother-in-law. Dick was also considered Sylvia’s chauffeur and always made sure she reached her destinations safely. Additionally, Dick was the family gift wrap specialist – an activity in which he always made sure to include his children or his in-law’s. Santa could not compete with the Houghs! For himself, Dick loved to hunt and fish. These were his greatest hobbies, especially when he could frequent his most serene spot in McKeever. However, Dick was also quick to find enjoyment fishing at Moose River. Dick was an excellent son-in-law – one of the best. Most of the family time was spent with Sylvia’s mom at her home in the North Country. Dick loved and adored his mother-in-law, especially in her later years when her health declined; the benevolence he showed her was unparalleled. He was always welcoming and “never met a stranger,” – he was a man who never had an enemy and even held the unofficial title of “Mayor.” Dick also gave of his time to the American Diabetes Association, of which his wife, Sylvia, was once the Executive Director. He volunteered for them with great enthusiasm and passion. He was truly an “unpaid employee” and stood by his wife’s side to be sure that all activities and events were well coordinated. Joy and humor lived in Dick’s heart, and he was a man who always bore a pleasant demeanor. Dick was mild mannered, living his life forever endeavoring to become a good man, and being the best that he could be. The Lord placed him on this earth, and Dick fulfilled what the Lord asked of him. Dick’s life clearly reflected the degree to which the Lord lived in his heart. Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia; and his children and their loves, Christyne and Stephen Brown, Richard and Angie Hough, and Tracey and Chet Bingham. He will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Stephen and Andrea Brown, and Helen Brown; Brandon and Samantha Hough, Paige and Fred Cotton; and Alistair Bingham; as well as his great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Asher, and Abigail Brown, and Isabelle Segneri; and Kameron, and Aniyah Cotton. Dick will be fondly remembered by his siblings, Allen F. (Betty) Hough, Betty Yager, and James Hough. Dick was preceded by his siblings and their spouses, Joseph and Rosie Hough, Alda and Lloyd Mooney; and his brother-in-law; George Yager. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Dick shared in great closeness with his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lorene Young and her late husband Donald, Jack and Jane Swancott, Joyce Myers and her late husband George, Marjorie “Ginger” Parry and her late husband Evan, Douglas and Judy Swancott, Jeanette and Dane Groszek, and Kathleen Swancott. He was preceded by his in-laws, Valetta and Warren Gookins, Ruth Swancott, David Swancott, and infant Phillip Swancott. Owen Jassak was a special buddy to Dick, as well as Owen’s mother Cheryl. Additionally, Dick shared a special love with Flo DeSimone and her late husband Tom, who shared life together with Dick and Sylvia in a special way. Dick was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, D. William and Verna (Freeman) Swancott. The Hough family wishes to extend a special “thank you” to the physicians, nurses, and staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s, as well as all of the previous doctors and staff who assisted Dick in his previous medical needs. Visitation will commence on Tuesday afternoon, November 9, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Dick’s Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 at the funeral home. The family gratefully accepts memorial contributions made in Dick’s honor, made either to the American Diabetes Association online at https://www.diabetes.org/?form=Donate; or to the American Heart Association online at https://www.heart.org/?form=donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 in Evergreen Cemetery in Lee Center.

Mr. Richard R. "Dick" Hough

August 8, 1940 - October 31, 2021