SCHENEVUS - Richard Andrew Kenyon, 81, of Schenevus, passed away at home Sept. 8, 2024.

He was born on March 9, 1943 in Kearny, New Jersey to Joseph J. and Alma G. (Carlson) Kenyon, the seventh of 10 children later to become known as the 10 Kenyons. He moved to Worcester, as a young boy and had fond memories of growing up there with his siblings. Rich was a graduate of Worcester Central School where he was active in all the sports available, baseball being his favorite. He would tell the story of how he had the chance to be a Yankee but didn't think he was big enough to make the team. As an adult he continued his athletics by playing on the Green Machine softball team in Worcester with several of his brothers. He achieved a hole in one in golf at the age of 80!

Rich married Carol Westcott July 13, 1963 and moved to Schenevus, where he and Carol raised their three girls. He worked for the Chase Organ Company of Worcester, before becoming a fireman at General Electric in Schenectady, where he worked for 20 years. He finished his career working for 15 years as a security officer at Lockheed Martin in Niskayuna.

Rich became an active member of the C.H. Graham Hose Company where he served for 61 years. He also joined the Schenevus/Maryland Emergency Squad and served the community in this capacity for 58 years. Rich helped many families by responding to fire calls, ambulance calls, and accidents. He was present at the D&H railroad explosion in Emmons where he saved a fellow firefighter's life while putting his own at risk. Rich was named the Otsego County Fireman of the Year in 1999 in recognition of his dedication and years of service. He also received the Gary Goodier Service Award in 2008 and was named an Honorary Member of the Schenevus Fire Dept. in 2002, where he held every office except chief. He was also involved in the Schenevus Firemen's Carnival every year, so much so that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren thought of it as "Poppy's carnival." He was a member of the Threadjammers firematics team of the fire department for many years.

Rich became interested in the fire department's antique merry-go-round and was instrumental in getting it restored to its present state. He became a member of the National Carousel Association and traveled around the country and even to England with Carol riding carousels. In Schenevus he became known as the Carousel Man. He was instrumental in the organization of Friday Nights in the Park, where people could ride the merry-go-round for free.

Rich was a member of the Schenevus Methodist Church, where he could be seen helping out at the church dinners or maybe even fixing the organ. Rich also had a love for woodworking and created many items which he would give to family and friends.

Rich was always present in the lives of his three daughters, seven grandchildren (the Super Seven), and six - soon to be seven - great-grandchildren. He was very proud of each and every one of them and looked forward to meeting his seventh great-grandchild this winter. He supported their athletic and academic efforts, attended all events and games that he could, played kickball and soccer in the backyard, was the "ticklemonster," played "alligator," and "school," and most importantly, listened when they needed him. He was always there for them no matter what. He would take them to doctor's appointments, pick them up from college, go fishing or hunting, help with Eagle Scout projects, fix whatever needed fixing, and teach them what he knew about life. Rich was their superhero. For the last several years Rich and Carol were "snowbirds," spending winters in Zephyrhills, Florida at ACPZ, another place where he became known as the local handyman, and where they loved to have family come visit. He was loved, admired, and respected by his family and friends, who will miss him greatly and always cherish their time spent with him and memories of him.

Rich leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Carol; his daughters and their families, Laurie and James Spencer, Tracy and Doug Tessitore, and Jill and Matt Millias; grandchildren, Jessica Kenyon, Andrew Spencer (Alisha Chase), Jacob Spencer (Courtney Hogan), Hannah Millias Flickinger (Sean), Connor Millias (Melissa Newcomb), and Brandon Millias, and Nathan Tessitore; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Michael, and Joshua Head, Liam Spencer, and Levi and Harper Spencer; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Harold and Janet Kenyon, James and Pamela Kenyon of Worcester; sister- and brother-in-law, Marion and Gilbert French of Chittenango; sisters, Alma Price of Carthage, and Joy Campiglia of Ft. Meyers, Florida; and sisters-in-law, Millie Kenyon of Worcester, Adeline Kenyon of N. Bellmore, and Joyce Kenyon of Deer Park, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Richard Westcott of Schenevus, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Albert, Joseph, Alfred, and Robert Kenyon, brothers-in-law, David Price and Robert Campiglia; sister-in-law, Janet Kenyon, and in-laws, Everett and Beatrice Westcott.

At Rich's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a private service and one last ride on the merry-go-round with Rich for the family.

A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 28, at the Schenevus AMVETS. All are welcome.

Arrangements are made through the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester; www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Contributions in memory of Rich may be made to the Schenevus Carousel Restoration Fund in care of the Schenevus Fire Dept., or The National Carousel Association, P.O. Box 22474, Huntsville, AL, 35814.

This is not good-bye, it's until we see you again. Have fun reuniting with your family in heaven and riding those carousels in the sky. Your dash was well lived.