Graveside services for Richard F. Stemples will be held on Friday (Aug 31, 2018) at 1:00pm at the Vestal Hill Cemetery in Endicott NY with Rev. Doug Chamberlin officiating. There will be no public calling hours. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.
Surviving are two daughters Michele Stemples of Amsterdam NY and Patti Jo Stemples-Powell & her husband Jack of East Berlin PA; a brother Charles Stemples & his wife Karen of Naples, FL; grandchildren William Stemples, Seth Powell, Stephen Powell & Ben Powell.
Dick was born on May 14, 1942 in Endicott NY, a son of Francis & Sophia (Belo) Stemples. He graduated from Union High School in Endicott, and continued his education at the Crane School of Music. He later married Rose A. Frost on Aug 17, 1963. The couple later divorced in 1979.
During his career he worked at Lisbon High School as a teacher from 1964 – 1969; Malone Elementary & Junior High Schools as their music & band teacher from 1969 – 1970; Hermon Dekalb band & marching band director from 1970 – 1972; OFA High School band & marching band director from 1972-1973. He then took over the Kennedy Elementary band and marching band from 1974 until 1997. Following his retirement from the Ogdensburg School District, he drove bus for Laidlaw then 1st Student working for Heuvelton & Canton districts from 2000 to 2010. Dick also owned and operated the Shelly-Jo Bee Farm and was a bee keeper of 500 swarms. In 1979 he won 1st Place Honey in NYS.
Dick was a member of the County Bee Keeper Association; Long Shoreman Union ILA217-A and Boy Scout Eagle. He enjoyed working with kids and teaching them the art of music, and spending time with his family. Memorial contributions have been requested to any school band fund of choice. Condolences and
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