Obituary of Richard W. Davis

Niskayuna Richard W. “Dick” Davis, 98, of Lexington Parkway, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany following a short illness. He was born on November 17, 1923 in Orange, NJ, to Richard H. and Mabel (Townley) Davis and grew up in Maplewood, NJ where he graduated from Columbia High School. He enrolled in Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. With the onset of World War II, he interrupted his studies to enlist in the US Navy where he served as a radar man aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he resumed his studies at Lehigh, where he managed the Lehigh Wrestling team and made lifelong friends in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He joined Sillcocks Miller, running the plastics division before transitioning to a career in banking starting at the Orange Savings Bank. He went on to hold executive positions at banks throughout the Northeast. He retired as the Executive Vice President of Commonwealth Federal Savings in Norristown, PA, in 1985. Dick married Natalie Lloyd on November 1, 1952. A loving father to four children, he proudly coached their teams, later becoming president of the Madison, NJ, Little League and the chief of the Madison, NJ, Indian Guides. He enjoyed tennis, sailing, bowling and bridge nights with friends. His family loved to hear his entertaining stories from his past: his horse Becky, his adventures in the Navy and his mischievous sense of humor. He and Natalie created lifelong friendships filled with infectious laughter and good times. Dick loved to sing, with the Lehigh and Maplewood Glee Clubs, the 49ers Chorus in West Chester, PA, church choirs and whenever Natalie played the piano. Typical of his leadership quality, he served as president of numerous civic organizations, such as the 49ers and the Kiwanis Club of Maplewood, NJ. He was a trustee of the Derryfield School and 40 years with the Kucklinsky/Gemstar Philanthropic Foundation. Throughout his lifetime, he was deeply involved in his church. He served as a deacon, elder and in various other committees and capacities. He recently was a member of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. He leaves his loving wife of 69 years: Natalie (Lloyd) Davis of Niskayuna, NY; sons: Tim (Sherry) of Virginia Beach, VA and Peter of Delray Beach, Florida; daughters: Barb and Susie (Paul Hanks) of Niskayuna, NY. He was the proud and involved grandfather of Megan (Michael) Hanks Mastrola, Amanda Davis, Zach (Mikaela) Davis, Jenn Hanks, and Carrie Hanks as well as a great-grandson Jack Mastrola. Services will be private. Entombment will be at Saratoga National Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Reformed Church of Schenectady or the charity of your choice.