Obituary of Richard “Dick” Tallman

Richard “Dick” Tallman, 79, of Whitney Point, NY, passed away on Tuesday January 30, 2024. He was born on March 31, 1944, the son of the late Robert and Rose Tallman. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He moved to New York from California in 1964, and married his wife Marion, in 1965. They resided in the village of Marathon for 45 years. Richard and Marion raised their four children and were active members of the Marathon community. Richard was a dedicated employee at PepsiCo, where he worked for 30 years as a beverage salesman. He utilized his gift of gab and trusting nature, while making caring connections with his customers. During his life, he and Marion fostered 250 children providing a stable and safe home for so many. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting electric trains and race car sets. He also enjoyed traveling and experiencing the sites with his family. While traveling, he loved his favorite gas stations and “mom and pop” shops. He was also an avid tinkerer. Instead of letting things go to waste, he often enjoyed tinkering with broken items and doing his best to make them useful again. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Marion Tallman, his daughter Debra (m. David O’shea), daughter Lori (m. Ted Morrison), son Rick (m. Renee Tallman), son Kurt Tallman, and his 10 grandchildren (Davey, Teddy, Joey, Cody, Brendan, Holli, Katlyn, Lauren, Abigail, and Braeden), great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Other surviving family members include Richard’s siblings James Tallman, Gary Tallman, Joyce Taylor, and Darlene Tallman. In addition to his parents Robert and Rose Tallman, Richard is predeceased by his brother Charles Tallman. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY from 11:00am-12:30 pm, with a funeral service to follow. Pastor Tom Boice will be officiating. Burial will take place in the spring in the Marathon Cemetery.