Richard Sheffield (Dick) Tehan

Richard S. Tehan

Richard S. “Dick” Tehan, 87, of Freeville, NY passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday January 23,2025.

Born May 29,1937, Richard grew up in Dryden where he loved to hunt and fish. He graduated from Dryden High School, served in the Army National Guard and worked for 37 years at Smith Corona before moving on to work at the Groton Senior Center. He had been retired for some years but had never stopped working. He used to joke with young family members trying to keep up with him that he had yet to see “hard work” listed as a cause of death in an obituary.

Richard was blessed with the love of two wonderful women. He married Barbara (née Heffron), mother of their three girls on October 21,1961, and after she was lost too soon found love again with Betty, and they have been married 36 years.

Richard paid great attention to detail and put much thought into the three homes he built and then loved to plant trees and lovingly tend to his property. He was a great mentor to those who wanted to work hard and learn how to do things right, and was always ready to help his family. Doing good work and helping and spending time with those he loved were the great joys in his life.

Richard was predeceased by his parents William and Emily, his brother William, and his first wife Barbara. He is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Jan (Frank), Susan (Jeffrey), Lori (Jeffrey), stepdaughter Belinda, brother Earl (Terry), grandchildren Joseph (Rebecca), Logan, Sarah (Randy), Josh, Bud (Jessica), Lorinda (Zac) and Shelby (Paul) and was blessed with 11 great grandchildren.

In honoring Richard’s wishes, no services are planned.  Please celebrate his life by loving your family as fiercely as Richard loved his.