OXFORD – Richard Thomas Siefert, 76, of Oxford, and Naples, Fla. died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 after a very sudden bout with aggressive cancer. He was born in Idlewild, Queens, the youngest of seven children of Walter A. & Angelina Keating Siefert. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Arlene Fallon Siefert, his two devoted sons, Richard T. Jr. (Patricia) and James A. Siefert; three cherished grandchildren: Richard T. III “Trey,” Alec J. and Samantha A., all of Oxford.
Also surviving are his sister Doris (Louis) Gruebel of Ohio, brother Walter A. Siefert Jr. of North Carolina and brother George W. Siefert (Nancy) of New York; as well as several dear nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his sisters Marjorie Dunphy Lind of New York, and Janet Siefert Lupardo of Nevada; and his brother, Robert K. Siefert of California.
Rich, a graduate of Jamaica NY High School and New York Institute of Technology, Westbury, retired as a Detective from the New York City Police Department. He served in the New York National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After moving from Long Island to Oxford in 1978, he became the owner/manager of the six Henry’s Income Tax offices in the Sidney Federal Credit Union. He ended his many careers as a Rural Mail Carrier in Oxford and Guilford. He was a member of the Chenango Valley Amateur Radio Club. Rich and Arlene enjoyed many years traveling in their motorhome, visiting all the states except Alaska. He especially enjoyed the nine winters spent in California and the many years at their winter home in Naples, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at a later date with the interment in St Joseph Cemetery, Oxford. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
Arrangements by Beechwood Society, Naples, Fla. and Behe Funeral Home, Oxford.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.