Obituary of Richard E Kniffen

On the morning of June 12th, 2016, Richard passed away unexpectedly at his home in Little York, NY. He was 65 years old. The son of Ray A Kniffen and Ella Mae Loucks, Richard lived in the greater Cortland area his entire life. Richard was active in the Homer community, an active member of the Homer Fire Department for over 35 years and a member of the Homer Masonic Lodge #352. He recently retired from Cornell University where he was the Administrator/Director of EMS Education and has been enjoying his time with family, friends and traveling. He enjoyed comradery with his fellow fireman, lodge brothers, 137th NYVI N-SSA Skirmishers as well as making memories with his grandchildren. Richard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marie (Evangelista) Kniffen and his children Bryan (Mary) Kniffen of Ashford, CT, Christin (David) Seaver of LeRoy, NY, Amy Kniffen of Madison, AL and grandchildren, Breanne, Kyle, Maxin and Amanda. Also brother Kelvin (Sandy) Barnard, sisters Brenda Kniffen, Marilyn “Jean” Sherman and Ruthann Griffiths. He was predeceased by both his parents and his brothers, Raymond Kniffen and Jeffrey Bernard; sisters Roselyn “Rosie” Seamans and Lucretia “Punk” Loveless. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11am in St. Margaret’s Church in Homer followed by internment at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday from 5-7pm at Wright Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland, NY. In lieu of flowers, he asked for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To offer online condolences, visit www.wright-beard.com