Richard L. Kingsley

Richard (Dick) LaRue Kingsley, 84, of Springfield Township, Columbia Cross Roads passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 29. Born January 18, 1933 in East Smithfield, Dick was the son of the late Oscar Jerome “OJ” and Margaret Keeler Kingsley. In 1934, a devastating house fire claimed the life of his mother, upon which his father eventually relocated Dick and his three brothers to the Springfield Township farm in 1937. Dick started school in a one-room schoolhouse in the village of Springfield, and went on to become a graduate of the Troy High School class of 1950. After graduating from high school, Dick began his farming career which continued for 58 years. On June 18, 1953, he married his best friend Rosalie Noble, sharing 64 wonderful years together and blessed with four children. In the early 1960’s Dick and Rosalie established Springcroft Farm which they developed into a well-respected herd of Holstein cattle. The couple eventually formed a farming partnership with two sons Ronald and Roger. Building a quality herd became a passion for Dick, and his participation with the Holstein Friesian Association led to him being a recipient of the Progressive Breeders Award. He was also a member of the Bradford County Holstein Club, and a co-founder of the Bradford Banner Breeders. Dick was a member of the East Smithfield Federated Church, a former member of the Troy School Board, and was a former Director and Adjustor for the Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Company. For many years, Dick was a well-known horseshoe pitcher and became a fierce competitor in many leagues and tournaments. He enjoyed hunting woodchucks with his favorite Remington 223, and was a lifelong whitetail deer hunter pursuing them with rifle, recurve and crossbow. At one time, Dick was a member of a legendary hunting camp in the New York Adirondacks known as Skate Creek Club. He was also a proud and current Life Member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

In later years, Dick enjoyed working in the woodlots on the farm cutting logs and firewood with his sons. He also loved spending quiet, peaceful times at the “pond”.  Most recently, he looked forward to those special conversations with the Moose’s Munchies Thursday Coffee Guys in Troy.

Dick is survived by his wife, Rosalie, at home, children; Gilbert (Chris) Kingsley of Maitland, Florida, Ronald (Sandra) Kingsley of Columbia Cross Roads, Roger (Barbara) Kingsley of Columbia Cross Roads, Regena (Kevin) Rosko of Campbell, NY, along with eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers; Laurence Kingsley of Milan, Layton (Elizabeth) Kingsley of Columbia Cross Roads, sister-in-law Doris Kingsley of East Smithfield, sisters; Lois (Tom) Elvidge, and Linda Hardenstine both of Milan, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by brothers; Louis Kingsley, Laverne Kingsley, and an infant brother John Kingsley.

At the family’s request, all services will be private. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in East Smithfield. The Gerald W. Vickery Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. have been entrusted with arrangements.  Leave online condolence at Vickeryfh.com.

 Service Information