Richard G. McClure

Mr. Richard G. McClure, 81, of Salamanca, New York, formerly of Ellicottville, New York, died Monday morning, December 7, 2015 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York following a long illness.

Born January 16, 1934 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of the late George and Dorothy Ellis McClure. He was married on June 25, 1955 in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Ellicottville, New York to the former Betty Lee Hardy, who survives.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1953 – 1976. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation European Service Medal. While in the Navy, he made a replica of the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, which he presented to President John F. Kennedy during the Newport Yacht Races and which was kept in the Oval Office until the President’s death and is currently on display at the JFK Library in Boston, Massachusetts.

After his career with the Navy, he had been employed as a Maintenance Supervisor with Holiday Valley Resort and had driven school bus for the Ellicottville Central School System.

Mr. McClure was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the American Legion Post #659, Ellicottville, New York, where he had served as past Commander, he had served as past county legion Commander, and was a charter member of the Salamanca Historical Society. His great pride was in his involvement in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Surviving besides his wife are: five sons, Greg (Karen) McClure, Hamburg, NY, Leon (Paula) McClure, Edward (Pamela) McClure, Donald “Doc” (Joy) McClure, all of Salamanca, NY, Dale McClure, Little Valley, NY; a daughter, Debora Seitz, Salamanca, NY; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Joan Woodin and a brother, George McClure.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Wednesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Michael Lonto officiating.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Full military honors will be performed by members of the Ellicottville American Legion Post #659.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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