Richard Don Northrup passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 11, 2019.
He was born December 12, 1933, on the family farm in the Town of Colchester, the fourth child of Frank A. and Florence E. Jacobson Northrup. He was twice married, first to Barbara A Peck in 1954 and then to Cecelia A Francisco in 1981.
He is survived by his wife Cecelia, five sons, Don and Nicole of Florida, Richard and Dawn of Walton, Brian and Susan of Gilbert, Ariz., Bradley and Laura of Walton, and Matthew of Walton, his brother Howard Neal Northrup, two step-daughters, Melissa (Gregory) Amerson of Laurens and Bridgett Daggy of Oneonta, grandchildren Jacquelyn (Zack Grondin) Northrup, Kevin (Jocelyn Mellein) Northrup, Paige (Bryan) Perez, Bryce Northrup, Eric (Amanda) Northrup, Christopher Northrup, Corey (Jessica) Northrup, Cody (Stephanie Willsey) Northrup, Caity (Michael) Velten, Bradley W. Northrup, Alexander (Katy) Northrup, Aron Northrup, Stella and Piper Amerson, and Eli, Owen and Willow Daggy, greatgrandchildren Gwynavere, Blaise, Irelyn, Bernadette, Juniper, Darius, Logan, Kainoa, Eli, Abel, Hayley, Rebekah, Colin, and a great-granddaughter on the way in April, many nieces and nephews, and his sister-inlaw’s Linda Northrup and Joyce Northrup, and Barbara Horton.
He was predeceased by his parents, grandson Casey and greatgranddaughter Kelani, his brothers Milton, James, Roger, Sister Elinor, sister-in-law Irene, and son-in-law Aaron Daggy.
Richard moved with his family from the Northrup farmstead in the Town of Colchester to East Brook Road, Walton in 1942, and lived in the Walton area for the remainder of his life. He attended one room schoolhouses in the Towns of Colchester and Walton and graduated third in his class from Walton High School in 1951. He worked on the Merritt Louden farm as a teen, which is now part of the Delaware County fairgrounds. In 1960 he purchased a dairy farm on Pines Brook Road and realized the fulfillment of his life’s passion. He served over 20 years with the Army National Guard from which he retired as First Sergeant. He was employed by SJ Bailey as a teenager, worked at Delaware Valley Hospital as head of Human Resources, and was one of the founders of the Northrup Chevrolet automobile dealership. He established Walton Motors in 1984 and operated it until his retirement in 1999. Richard was a Fire Commissioner of the Walton Fire District for eleven years. He spent his retirement years doing what he liked best - working for Cal Courtney, helping others and caring for his grandson, Aron. He always enjoyed the coffee group at McDon- ald’s he started with Frank Zorda.
He should be remembered as a person who was happiest when he was working. He especially enjoyed maintaining his home and keeping his property in immaculate condition, receiving a “Pride in Walton” honor in 1997. Richard worked behind the scenes at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, assisting with mowing and structure maintenance. He received the “Fair Person of the Year” award in 2013.
Calling hours to which relatives and friends were held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A service to celebrate Richard’s life followed at the United Methodist Church, 101 North Street, Walton with Pastor Kent Terchunian offi- ciating. Burial with military honors was in Walton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Mountain Antique Engine and Machinery Club, 673 Road 13, Sidney Center, NY 13839, to the attention of Joe Wright. Contributions will be used to finish the concrete floor for the barn that Richard enjoyed so much seeing built, and which houses many of his antique tools.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message of hope and sympathy for Richard’s family please visit www.courtneyfh.com.
