Saratoga Springs, NY- Richard Jan Bilinski, 84, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026. Born on April 24, 1941, in Lexington, Kentucky, Richard spent nearly all of his life in the city he cherished: Saratoga Springs, NY.

Richard proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force, 75th Fighter‑Interceptor Squadron. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career as a maintenance supervisor at the company formerly known as Tarrant Mfg. Co., Inc., now Loughberry Mfg. Corp., in Saratoga Springs, until his retirement.

A man of deep curiosity and quiet wisdom, Richard found joy in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and the surrounding areas he explored throughout his life. He loved fishing, walking, hiking, and becoming one with nature. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner, with a deep love for reading and writing poetry. He built computers for the sheer pleasure of understanding how things worked and generously shared his eclectic taste in music with his family. At home, he tended lovingly to his flowers and garden, finding peace in nurturing the world around him.

Richard was the son of the late Joseph S. and Margaret K. (Cherry) Bilinski. He was predeceased by his brothers Joe, Jan, Frank, Jim, and Mike Bilinski, and by his son Travis M. Benson.

He is survived by his sister Karen (Michael) Toomey of Charlotte, NC; his son Richard J. Benson of Saratoga Springs; and his daughter Janina M. (Ozzy) Robles‑Marte of Burnt Hills, NY. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Eric A. Marte of Buskirk, NY; Nadia L. Robles of Burnt Hills, NY; Breanna Hummel (Benson) of Saratoga Springs, NY; Santiago Delgado‑Marte of Albany, NY; Ayden L. Robles of Burnt Hills, NY; and Keira M. Kimball (Benson) of Ballston Spa, NY. Richard was blessed with two great‑grandchildren, Estella M. Robles‑Russo and Genevieve R. Robles‑Gonzalez, who brought him immense joy.

Richard was a profoundly intelligent man who believed that a day without learning was a day wasted. He passed that philosophy on to his children and grandchildren, shaping their lives with his curiosity, patience, and gentle guidance.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373) followed by a funeral home service at noon.

Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yaddo at 312 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or at https://yaddo.org/donate/, a place that held a special meaning for Richard. It was one of his favorite places to bring his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a sanctuary he treasured and shared with those he loved most.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com