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Gloversville – Richard C. Cast, Sr. passed away at home March 15, 2023, following a long illness at the age of 94. He was born December 12, 1928 in Syracuse, NY the son of Lillian Chase Cast and Frank Cast.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Ruth Cast and 3 children, Richard Cast, Jr. (Dorie), Suzanne Stewart (Michael) and David Cast (Francine). Richard was blessed to have 5 grandchildren, Gretchen Traugott, Emily Stryker-Lathers, Katrina Lathers, Zachary Cast and Ian Cast along with 6 great grandchildren, Charles Stryker-Lathers, Benjamin, Jeremy and Frederick Traugott, Forrest Cast and Callie Cast as well as several nieces and nephews.
Richard was pre-deceased by his daughter Ellen Lathers in January of this year, and Brother Donald Cast Sr., nephew Donald Cast Jr. and niece JoAnn Furlong.
Richard was a Navy Veteran serving aboard the USS Albany and the USS Mississippi as a gunner’s mate.
Richard took great pride in being a hard worker. His first job was arriving early to start the fire at the one room schoolhouse he attended on Union Mills Rd in Broadalbin, NY and from that point on he never stopped working. He worked 55 years as a licensed plumber in Gloversville and Johnstown, with a majority of that time taking place in his own plumbing and heating company which lives on today as a 50 plus year, third generation family-owned business Cast Plumbing and Heating. In keeping with his work ethic, he worked seven days a week until his retirement at the age of 80. He would often comment that he had worked two lifetimes.
He was an avid hunter and a founding member of the White Tail Deer Club in Mayfield. He was also an enthusiastic weekly Take 5 Lottery player.
His retirement years were anything but idol and well into his 90s were spent watching his Yankees, cutting cord after cord of hand split firewood, and sorting scrap metal from the business. Richard had a passion for gardening and grew enough food over the years to feed many families.
Richard will always be remembered by his loving family and those who knew him for his pipe filled with half and half, his independent nature, old fashioned work ethic, “tidy” work truck and the love he shared in his own special way with his family and pets – never turning away a pet in need of a home.
A private ceremony will take place at the convenience of the Family. Donations in memory of Richard can be made to the Ellen Cast Lathers Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o The Foundation of FMCC, 2805 State Highway 67, Johnstown, NY 12095.
Online condolences may be made at the Amico Funeral Home http://www.amicofuneralhome.com.
