Ballston Spa – Richard Joseph Requa passed away suddenly on July 6, 2017 at the age of 69. He was born in Rochester NY on December 11, 1947 to the late Joseph and Margaret LaReouch Requa.
Rick graduated from Paul Smiths College with a degree in Forestry. After graduation Rick began a life of dedication and service, both to his country and his local communities. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge from the armed forces in 1970. Rick went to work for EnCon and became a NYS Forest Ranger for 28 years retiring in 2004. He continued public service as an employee of the Town of Milton, a volunteer fireman for Eagle-Matt Lee, a former member of Rock City Falls Fire Department, and an EMT for the Saratoga flat track. Rick was a man of many talents, an avid outdoorsman, and a black belt in karate.
Rick was a life member of the Greenfield Fire Company and also VFW Post 358 and Henry Cornell American Legion Post 234 of Ballston Spa.
Aside from his dedication to his nation and community, Rick was dedicated to his loving wife, Sandra and their loving animals, Murphy and Simon. Rick is also survived by a sister in law Nancy Morrissey, a nephew Mike Morrissey (Christine) and Great nieces Laura and Maggie and Great Nephew Sean. His adopted family Philip, Bonnie, Jared, Stacy, and Austin Stenglein. Close friends, the Irene Hogan family, many other close friends, his Aunt Shirley, cousins and his many brothers and sisters in public service.
In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by several aunts and uncles.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A service will be performed at 7pm by the volunteers of VFW Post 358.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Mary's Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, by Father Francis Vivacqua, Parochial Vicar.
Burial with military honors will follow at 1pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Richard's memory to the NYS Forest Rangers Scholarship Fund (PO Box 72, Warrensburg, NY 12885) or Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Department (35 Washington Street, Ballston Spa).
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.