SOUTH PLYMOUTH – Richard Louis Jenkins, 56, of South Plymouth, passed away early Friday evening, Aug. 14, 2009, in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown, after an ongoing battle with cancer.
Born in Norwich in December of 1952, Richard was the son of James Lee Jenkins Sr., and Josephine George Taylor. He attended school in Norwich and worked for a number of employers in the Norwich area, including James Hitt Trucking and Victory Markets. But his longest employment was over 25 years with the City of Norwich. During numerous summers he worked part-time in the City of Norwich Highway Dept., and, on Aug. 17, 1987, became a permanent city employee, working first as a motor equipment operator and later as custodian. Away from the job, Richard enjoyed being outdoors and caring for his property, especially riding on his lawn tractor to cut the grass. A witty man with a good sense of humor and a friendly smile, Richard loved riding the back roads in his truck and, with wife Mary, picking berries in Bear Wallow. He especially liked family get-togethers, loved being with family and friends, and made many good friends along the way, who will miss him greatly.
Richard is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Jenkins of South Plymouth; by his children: Rebecca Wunder and husband Tommy of Ft. Lewis, Washington, Tonya and Sonya Jenkins of Norwich, Tanya Jenkins of Binghamton, and Richard Jenkins of Norwich; by his step-children: Michael Smith of Elmira, Mathew Smith of Sherburne, and Jesse Smith of Oxford; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his special best friend and grandson, Isaac Louis Wunder. He is also survived by his brothers, Warren Taylor and wife Robin of Corona, Calif., and James Jenkins of Norwich; his sisters; Cheryl Clark of Binghamton, Sandra Davis of New Jersey, Phyllis Jenkins, Karen Jenkins of Norwich, Phoebe Moncur of Sherburne, and Janice Coulson and husband Will of Binghamton; nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his Siamese cat, Dillon. Richard was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Eleanor Powell.
Memorial services for Richard will be private and held at the convenience of his family.
Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m.