Richard Atkins

Mr. Richard "Beans" Atkins, age 82, of Central Avenue, Salamanca, died early Saturday afternoon, March 5, 2011, at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, following a long illness.

Born on July 10, 1928, in Olean, NY, he was the son of the late Francis and Irene Adams Atkins. Mr. Atkins was married on Sept 1, 1956, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Little Valley, NY, to the former Helen Blehar, who survives.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Atkins was employed with the former B&O Railroad as a clerk for over 25 years, retiring in 1988. He was employed at the Veterans Hospital in Buffalo, NY, as an x-ray technician, as well as the Salamanca District Hospital and Bradford Hospital. Mr. Atkins was a NYS Registered X-Ray Technician, American Registered Radiology Technologist, and a past member of the American Society of Radiology Technologists.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed the outdoors and camping.

Surviving besides his wife are one daughter, Debra (John) Manos, Rochester, NY; two sons, Michael (Shelly) Atkins and Scott (Jody) Atkins, both of Salamanca, NY; one brother, Terry (Lu) Atkins, of Rochester, NY; seven grandchildren, Brady Atkins and Courtney Atkins, Salamanca, NY, Nick Johnston, Olean, NY, Lee DeBoy, Salamanca, NY, Randi DeBoy, California, Stacey Manos, Rochester, NY, Eleni Manos, Rochester, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by one brother, Donald Atkins.

There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 10 a.m., in Our Lady of Peace Parish with Rev. Patrick Melfi officiating.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association or the donor's choice.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/o