Obituary of Richard Conz

Richard H. Conz "Rich" Elmira: Age 80, passed away at his daughter's home on Saturday, August 20, 2011. He previously lived at Villa Serene in Elmira Heights. Rich was born August 12, 1931, in Hornell, a son of the late Harold and Charlotte (Rose) Conz. He is also predeceased by his son Robert H. Conz, daughters, Edith A. Conz and Barbara Jean Sparling, sister Carol Ann McInerney, and brother William Conz. Rich is survived by his children, William J. Conz with wife Bobbie, of Horseheads; Maria Bennett of Elmira; and Joseph M. Conz of Palm Springs, CA; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Growing up in Hornell, Rich was a Boy Scout with Troop 9, St. Ann's Church, earning an Eagle Scout Badge. A portrait and wedding photographer in Hornell, Rich also worked in the Photo Dept. at the Hornell Evening Tribune. Rich eventually moved to Elmira working for the Star Gazette, where he won 4 NYS Photo Awards. After retiring he worked for the Horseheads American Legion, Horseheads Moose Club and the A-Plus Mini-Mart in Elmira Heights. Rich was a life member of the U S Chess Federation, attaining a Class A rating. He was a die hard fan of the NY Yankees and the Cleveland Browns. Rich enjoyed being a bingo caller at the Legion, Moose Club, Villa Serene, and the Elmira Senior Citizen Center. He was very proud of being a 15 plus gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross. A devout Catholic, Rich was an adorer at the Adoration Chapel at St. Casimir's Church. There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Committal prayers and burial will follow at St. Peter & Paul's cemetery. Those wishing may remember Rich with a donation to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830. Rich's family thanks Southern Tier Hospice for their care and kindness over the past few weeks.