Obituary of Richard Wells

Obituary of Richard Wells

“Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must. Not where we want them to.” – Richard Russo

Richard Wells passed away at home on Tuesday October 18, 2022 with his family by his side.  He was born on January 4, 1936 in Hempstead, New York to Nicholas Woltcheck Wells and Frances MacGregor Wells. 

During his youth, his parents moved the family to Greenville, New York and started the A-Bar-A Dude Ranch on Maple Avenue where Rich developed his love for horses and animals of all kinds.

Rich attended Greenville Central School until he left to join the army in 1953.  He served in Korea as an anti-aircraft artillery gun crewman where earned the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Rich returned to A-Bar-A to help his parents with the upkeep and operation of the ranch. It is here where he raised his best friend of many years, his horse “Golden Boy.” Rich could be found leading guests of the A-Bar-A and various other resorts on horseback rides.  It was on one of those horseback rides where he caught the eye of Eileen Buell of Jackson Heights, New York and life changed forever. 

Rich and Eileen were married on December 3, 1966 in Jackson Heights, New York and moved into their home on Sunset Road in Greenville shortly thereafter.  Rich worked for Agway Heating Services and started Richie’s Heating Service with Richard Pine.  After retiring from both, he drove school bus for Greenville Central School.  Many humorous stories have been told about the adventures of Mr. Wells driving the school bus!

Rich was a lifetime member of the Greenville Fire Department and a founding member of the Greenville Rescue Squad.  He was a member of the Greenville American Legion Post 291 and was active with the local Boy Scout troop.

Rich is survived by his wife, Eileen; his two sons Donald Wells of Bandera, Texas and Richard Wells (Kristin) of Greenville; two grandsons Griffin and Brady Wells who knew him as PopPop.

The family would like to thank friends and family that have reached out and those that have helped during this time. 

Per his wishes, Rich has been privately cremated.  Calling hours will be Thursday, October 27^th from 4 to 6 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville.  Following, there will be a reception at the Greenville Fire House for those who would like to join us to share memories of Rich.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Rich’s name.  Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.