Obituary of Richard C. Elwood

ELWOOD , RICHARD "DICK" COLON Age 80 of Corning , NY entered his Heavenly Home on Saturday September 14 , 2013 at Founders Pavilion in Corning , NY. Dick was born on Christmas Day 1932 in Lockport , NY . He was known for his sense of humor , love of music , animals , and food . He was a carpenter by trade and his handiwork can be seen around the Twin Tiers area in such landmarks as Gardner Road Elementary School ,The Arnot Mall , and many homes along the Chemung River damaged by The Flood of 1972 . He often referred to his guitar as his 'Old Friend" . As a young man , Dick played in a local band called The Swingsters. Later in life , he brought joy to many people through his music and singing in nursing homes , hospitals , jails , churches and parks in the area. He took in and cared for many cats over his lifetime and could not resist feeding the birds or squirrels wherever he went. As a boy , Dick traveled throughout The United States with his parents . He settled in Elmira , Millport , and finally in Corning , NY . Dick graduated from Horseheads High School in the early 1950's. He often told the story of how his class had such a good time on the Senior Trip that it was the last Senior Trip for Horseheads High . He enjoyed fishing and boating on Seneca Lake , riding his bike , having cookouts and picnics . He was an avid hunter , including with a bow and arrow . He enjoyed cooking the rewards of his labor , vension steaks and rainbow trout. If you knew Dick , you knew he had an enormous sweet tooth and he made the most delicious peanut butter and chocolate fudge . If you spent time with Dick , you were sure to enjoy good food , great company , and many many laughs . He was active in The Glen Baptist Church until he moved to Corning , NY . He began the Park Ministry with his wife Jean in Watkins Glen where they ministered to visitors through music , song , and The Word of God . All who knew him were truly blessed . He has undoubtedly started a new heavenly band with his stepfather on fiddle , his mother on accordion , Dick on guitar , and his wife Jean on vocals. Dick was pre-deceased by his wife of 50 years Jean A. Beckman Elwood on December 12 ,2007 , his mother Lela Rogers and his stepfather Harold Rogers , and by his father Braeden Elwood . Dick is survived by his sons Lynn (Dawn) Elwood of Greenbrier , Tennessee and Richard D. Elwood of Elmira , NY as well as his daughters Cheryl Bubacz & Bill McCartney of Elmira , NY and Candace (Scott) Mayhew of Charlotte , North Carolina . He is also survived by 7 grandchildren , 1 great grandson , many half brothers , half sisters , nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends . Relative and friends are invited to call at The Glen Baptist Church 3311 Reading Road Watkins Glen , NY on Saturday September 21 , 2013 from 12 Noon to 1 PM with Funeral Services to follow with his Pastor Teddy Herron officiating. Dick will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Jean in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads , NY at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers , memorial donations may be made in Dick's memory to The Founders Pavilion Patients' Activities Fund 205 East First Street Corning , NY 14830. Arrangements are entrusted to the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY.