Saratoga Springs, NY- Dr. Richard C. Grimm, of Saratoga Springs, died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Richard was 82 and passed peacefully surrounded by family.

Richard was born in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York on August 15, 1938, to Maria Marguerita Sophia Catsanos and Edward Grimm. He graduated from Gloversville High School in 1956 and enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years as a Nike surface-to-air missile operator that included a one- year deployment in South Korea only a few years after the Korean Armistice Agreement. Following military service, Richard attended SUNY Oneonta, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964 and joining the Phi Delta Rho fraternity. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Education from SUNY New Paltz in 1967. His education provided a solid foundation for a distinguished, 40-year career in New York State education.

Richard became a beloved and long-serving principal at Orenda Elementary in the Shenendehowa Central School District. Of the many professional awards he accrued, in 1986 Orenda Elementary was selected as the United States Department of Education "Exemplary School" and Richard was selected by the School Administrators Association of New York State as the "Distinguished Principal." Richard also earned a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in 1987 and proceeded to serve as superintendent of several school districts across New York State, finishing his career with Bolton Central Schools in Bolton Landing, New York. Richard loved his role as superintendent and truly flourished in every school system, but particularly in the picturesque Lake George region where he enjoyed Adirondack living at its best. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to education quality and access at home and abroad, including establishing the first Head Start program in Middletown, New York and participating in a two-week exchange program with Mali, West Africa to assist in that country's education programs. A career highlight for Richard also included serving for more than 10 years as the Board of Education President for Saratoga Springs Public Schools during the time that his two oldest children were students. Richard left an indelible mark on school districts across New York State and will be remembered fondly by many students, teachers, and administrators.

During his long and full life, Richard never tired of new experiences and pursuits. He served as a volunteer firefighter and as the first elected mayor of Round Lake, New York. Together with his family he owned and operated the infamous Henderson's Barn, a bookstore and antique shop, and a family- farm raising livestock and growing fresh vegetables. He chased adventure, putting his pilot's license to good use in their single-engine Cessna, skydiving, and traveling across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Perhaps his greatest joys abroad came by way of visits with his wife, Suphawan, to her village of Banmai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, where he volunteered teaching English to schoolchildren and, through exploring every side street and becoming acquainted with everyone on his daily walks, was regarded as a favorite Farang among villagers. Richard had many talents, including mastering the art of woodworking, hand- making timeless treasures for family to cherish from toy airplanes to furniture. He also pursued culinary arts and worked tirelessly at holidays to create enjoyable and inspired meals for family and friends, almost always serving up a huge slice of homemade cheesecake for dessert. A lover of American history, he read widely on our nation's founding and enjoyed exploring many iconic sites, favorites among them being Fort Ticonderoga, the Saratoga Battlefield, and the USS Constitution in Boston. His vast knowledge, quick wit, and insatiable intellectual curiosity made him an avid conversationalist regardless of the audience who also could go toe-to-toe in any debate or friendly round of Jeopardy.

Reflecting his passion for service, Richard served as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council 246 in Saratoga Springs. His service with the Knights included leadership as a former Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and treasurer for the Columbian Association, strengthening the financial footing of the Council. Council 246 members speak highly of both their friendship with Richard and the significant contributions he made to the Knights.

Richard is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Suphawan (Pal) Phayawang Grimm, in Saratoga Springs, and his three children. His youngest son, Paveenwat (Pom) Phayawang, is currently serving in the United States Army and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Daughter, Katherine, and husband, Robert Bye, reside in Cobleskill, New York. Son, Richard (Randy), and wife, Kristine, live in Northern Virginia. Richard is also survived by his four grandchildren, Christopher Kemp, Hillary Parker, Ryan Grimm, and Samuel Grimm, as well as two brothers, Edward Grimm in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and Roy Grimm in Sedona, Arizona.

Richard was predeceased by the loving mother of Katherine and Randy, Marian Butler Grimm, and by his sister, Marguerita (Marge) Mason, and brother, John (Jack) Grimm.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11-12:30 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, followed by a K of C and Funeral Home service, at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Burial with full military honors will be bestowed at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY. A reception will follow at 3:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs, New York.

In lieu of flowers, Richard wished for donations to be made to the Knights of Columbus 246 charitable fund: 50 Pine St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.