WORCESTER – Richard D. Loft, 79, passed away peacefully October 31, 2022 with his family by his side at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

He was born June 6, 1943 in Oneonta, the son of Dewey Ward and Dorothy Rose (Sperbeck) Loft.

Richard grew up on the family farm on Smokey Avenue in Schenevus.  He graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School, Schenevus, Class of 1961, with a class ring that read in both directions.

He gained experience working with heavy equipment from Ron Ross, driving fuel tank trucks from the Port of Albany, and plowing snow for the local highway departments, but soon started his own excavating business.

Richard married Nancy Bartow on December 5, 1964. Together they built their home and business on their property in Worcester. Loft Well Drilling and Excavating drilled wells and dug cellars and septic systems for many new homes in the area.  This business transitioned to solely digging for the telephone company.  At a time when he should have been retiring, he built the commercial saw mill, Worcester Valley Lumber.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Canada, and camping trips with family and friends.  He was an antique engine collector. His friends will remember winter fun as members of the local snowmobile club. You could find him fishing in his stocked pond on the property he developed over the years or working in his shop.

He is survived by daughters, Richi Dee and husband, John Horne Jr. of Worcester and Melody Loft (Jaird Johnson) of Roseboom.  His grandchildren, JT Horne (Tynaise Williams) of Worcester, Allison Lincoln (Dan Gage) of Roseboom, and Emily Lincoln (Anthony Vanderkrake) of Roseboom, were such a joy to him. He especially loved his great-grandson, Sawyer Gage.  He is also survived by his sister, Frances Skinner (Carl Cherbini) of Ocala, FL; cousins, Todd (Cheryl), Stevie (Cindy) and Cindy Sperbeck; sister-in-law, Inge Loft, brother-in-law, Jan Bartow (Barbara) and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Nancy in 2014; brothers, George and David Loft; brother-in-law, Richard Skinner.

Calling hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the service starting at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester .  The Rev. Judith Thistle will be officiating.

Donations may be sent to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY or to the Worcester Fire Department, PO Box 430, Worcester, NY 12197

Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.hellerskinnerfh.com