Richard R. "Dick" Townsend, age 73, of 10 Spruce St., Ilion, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2004, at Faxton Hospital with his beloved family by his side. Dick was born June 24, 1931 in Mohawk, son of the late H. Roy and Bertha (Beck) Townsend. He attended Ilion schools and graduated with the "class of 1950." Dick was a proud veteran, serving with the US Navy during the Korean War. On July 25, 1959 he was united in marriage to Sheryll O'Connell at St. Augestines Episcopal Church, a blessed union of 45 years. Dick was employed by Bendix Corp., Utica, retiring in 1993 with over 40 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Ilion American Legion Post 920, Ilion fish and Game Club, Schuyler Senior Citizens, at one time United Steelworkers, and was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Dick especially enjoyed meeting with his good friends at McDonalds for his morning coffee and conversation. Survivors include his loving wife, Sheryll; one son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Terri Townsend of Leominster, MA; two daughters and one son-in-law, Deborah Townsend of Syracuse, and Sandra and Bob Mersfelder of Syracuse; five cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Brian and Sarah Townsend, Luke and Austin Mersfelder; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Betty Nicastro. Dick's funeral service will be held Friday, August 13, 2004, commencing at 10 a.m. at the APPLEGATE & DAY FUNERAL HOME, 102 West St., Ilion. Procession to Armory Hill Cemetery for interment will follow. Family and friends are invited to visitation, Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the APPLEGATE & DAY FUNERAL HOME, Ilion. Dick's family wishes to thank the staff at Faxton/St. Luke's Cancer Center, especially Sister Maureen for the care and compassion shown to Dick and them during his illness. Memorial contributions in Dick's memory may be considered to Faxton/St. Lukes Regional Cancer Center, donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.