February 8, 2012

Richard Arnold Holcomb, 72

R ichard Arnold Holcomb, age 72 passed away at his residence on Feb. 1, 2012, following a short illness.
Richard was born on May 18, 1939, in Wells, Vt., the son of Richard and Leeta (Corey) Holcomb.
Richard was self-employed as a building contractor for over 40 years. He was a valued member of the Wells community. He served for 22 years on the Wells School Board, was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and served five years on the Wells Planning Commission.
He loved to talk politics. Richard was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was proficient with a bow, rifle and muzzle loader. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and he was a member of the Home Builders Association of Central Vermont. In addition to construction he also enjoyed woodworking. He was a Little League coach and he also managed a local semi-pro baseball team. He was a fan of car shows. Though Richard had many interests and enjoyments, by far his most treasured moments were spent with his family and grandchildren in particular.
He was predeceased by a sister Grace Hurley.
Richard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen (Anderson) Holcomb. He is also survived by his son Richard and his wife Tammy of Wells, and his daughters: Lisa Streiber and her husband Kurt of Granville, NY; Laurie Scholz and her husband Robert of Groveland, Mass.; Julie Beecher and her husband Matthew of Granville and Andrea Rathbun and her husband Chris of Granville. He also leaves behind his brother Stanley and his wife Sandra of Wells, his mother-in-law Hazel Anderson and his brother-in-law, Chris Anderson. Surviving Richard are his beloved grandchildren: Matthew and Brianna Beecher, Katherine and Jessica Scholz, Richard “RJ” and Marissa Holcomb, Christopher and Andrew Rathbun and Karley and Kristian Streiber and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, NY, with the Rev. Alexander Stringer officiating. Burial will be in the Wells Cemetery in Wells, Vt.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Rutland Area Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice, PO Box 787, Rutland, Vermont 05701, or to the Granville Rescue Squad, PO Box 153, Granville, NY 12832.