Richard Paul Combes

Richard Paul Combes, 88 years old of Mamaroneck, N.Y. passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2012. He was born in Port Chester, N.Y on August 1, 1923. He is the son of Dr. Frank Combes and Jane Draddy Jennings previously of Rye, N.Y. He is survived by daughter, Denise Combes-Spero, and grandson Sean Spero of Cary, N.C.

After graduating from High School in 1943, Mr. Combes joined the Army and was stationed in Germany with the 84th Cavalry Division. During WWII he served as a Private and Surgical Medical Technician in campaigns across all of Europe. His career in the service was uprooted when wounded and honorably discharged. Mr. Combes bravery and service led to being awarded three purple hearts and two bronze stars for valor. He is inducted in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, NY. When the war ended he joined the postal service in New Rochelle, N.Y. and retired after 40 years of service.

Richard was a model of courage, humility and optimism. He instilled his high sense of duty, hard work and ethics to his family. He had a passion for nature and all of its beauty. He was a man of great intellect, an avid reader, and a great conversationalist with a sharp sense of humor. Richard loved riding a motorcycle, the N.Y. Yankees and relaxing by smoking his pipe. He will sorely be missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Osborn Retirement Home for their care, compassion and ensuring Mr.Combes dignity during his last years. Our appreciation is also extended to his private aides, Amarie Thompson and Nicky East.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, January 31, from 11:30a.m - 1:30p.m. at he Osborn, 101 Theall Rd. Rye, NY. A blessing in the chapel will be held at 11:30 a.m. followed by a lunch reception.

A funeral with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery and a private memorial service at Kenisco Cemetery, Valhalla, N.Y. at a later date.

Last May, Mr.Combes visited the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C through the generosity of the Honor Flight of Long Island Program. In lieu of flowers, you may visit honorflightlongisland.org if you wish to make a donation.