MT. VISION - M. Richard Segina, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 06, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.

Rick, as he was affectionately known by his family, friends and colleagues, was born in Rankin, PA on June 27, 1937. He was the son of Michael and Marie (Scherba) Segina who predeceased him. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who approached life with endless curiosity and enthusiasm and left a lasting impression upon all who knew him.

Rick graduated from Rankin High School in 1955 and went on to receive a BS degree in Biology from Allegheny College. He continued his education by doing graduate work in Biology at West Virginia University and then at Princeton University before coming to Hartwick College as an Biology Professor in 1965. While at West Virginia, Rick met and married the love of his life, Carol (Bruce) Segina who survives him.

Rick was a well know fixture in the biology department at Hartwick College where he was known as a professor who constantly strived to help his students to reach their full potential. He loved teaching, learning and encouraging discussion across a wide variety of subjects. He was known to expect much from his students, was always fair and balanced, and loved working with his students, helping as they embarked on their careers. While at Hartwick, Professor Segina helped guide the biology department as Department Chair for 17 years as the college underwent many changes and additions during his tenure. He retired from Hartwick College in 2000, after 35 years of teaching.

During his retirement, Rick traveled extensively with his wife Carol, and managed to stay quite busy in his wood shop where he made many toys for his grandchildren. He also loved to hit the streams with his fly rod and his sons, work on his model railroad to surprise his grandchildren with the changes, and enjoyed his annual trip to the beach as well as exploring new things. Rick was counted on to provide unstinting support to any endeavor of his family and rarely missed an athletic event or special school performance by his grandchildren. He always had a special place in his heart for his children and grandchildren and was happiest when having all of his family around him.

He is survived by Carol (Bruce) Segina, his wife of 46 years; his sister, Imelda and Ralph Pope of PA, his two sons, Mark Segina and his wife, Jean C. Solloway Segina and Chris Segina of Mount Vision. Additionally Rick is survived by his seven beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Segina, Bryan Segina, Alexander Segina, Jillian Segina, Natalie Segina, Zoe Segina and Nia Segina all of Mt. Vision.

Those who wish to do so may make a contribution to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, in Rick's memory.

The family will receive friends to honor Rick's life at the home of Rick and Carol Segina in Mt. Vision from 3 to 7 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2009.


Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.