Richard M. Augustitus

RICHARD AUGUSTITUSBeloved husband, father, and grandfatherWent to heaven on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at Robert Packer Hospital with his loving family at his side.Born on April 10, 1932 in Hazleton, PA, Richard was a rambunctious young man who joined the US Navy at the age of 18 during the Korean Conflict.He spent four memorable years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa during its world tour; he traveled to over 27 countries being Shellbacked when he crossed the equator.Upon his discharge, Richard attended Hartwick College where he majored in psychology and education; he was the president of his class and the German Club.An avid bowler who traveled extensively for his sport, he met his beautiful wife, Shirley Dunn, in Elmira, NY.They were married one year later at St. Patricks Church and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.He earned his masters degree in education at SUNY Oneonta; several years later, he earned an additional masters degree in counseling at Cornell University.Richard started his teaching career in Hancock, NY.Moving to Painted Post to be closer to his mentor, Edward J. Smith, he taught sixth grade at Calvin U. Smith School.Richard is remembered most for his work as the home-school counselor in the Corning-Painted Post School District; he touched the lives of children and families throughout the area for nearly thirty years.A member of the Corning Elks Club, he, along with his wife, initiated their Christmas clothing program for families in need, which he continued for 22 years. Richard loved sports; he was three-time Hall of Famer in bowling and throughout the years, he bowled three perfect games.After his retirement, Richard enjoyed living at his home on Hammond Lake with his wife, Shirley, and traveling to see both his daughter, Anne Ruggiero, her husband Peter, and their children Nicole and Gabrielle, and his son Edward (Chip) and his children Alexis and Abigail. Along with his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother Edward Augustitus (Armida) of Naples, FL and his sisters, Betty Pintar of Hazleton, PA, Alice Divigli (Robert) of Voorhees, NJ, and Anna Mae Lyons (Thomas) of Kitnersville, PA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Richard is predeceased by his sister, Nancy Burke.Richard will be missed forever, but his loving kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and many families in the area.Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Saturday, October 4 from 5 to 7 pm with funeral committal service there at 7 pm. Deacon George Welch will celebrate Richards service. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may made memorials to the Corning Elks Christmas Charity.Leave a Loving Legacyan Olthof service