OTEGO – Richard M. Sperry, 73, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 16, 2026, at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.

He was born April 22, 1952, in Oneonta, the son of Russell and Ethel (Lewis) Sperry.

Richard grew up in Laurens and graduated from Laurens Central School, where he was active in sports. His love of sports continued throughout his life; he served as an umpire for softball and baseball, a Little League Coach, and was active with the Over 35 Softball League at the Laurens Rec Center. He was also a devoted fan of football and the Buffalo Bills.

Richard began working for Reinhardt Home Heating in 1974 as a delivery driver, building special friendships with his customers until his retirement in 2015. He continued working on small excavating jobs and was happy to be working alongside his son.

He is survived by his wife, Melonie (Porteus) Sperry, whom he married on June 4, 2007; his children, Cindy and Chuck Lohmeyer, Mark Sperry, and Bobbi-Jo Sperry; grandchildren, Christina, Victoria, Brandon, Chase, Adrianna, Grace, Marcus, Marissa, and Marina; great-grandchildren, Eden and Kayson; step-children, Matthew and Meghan Hartwell, Travis and Tracy Hartwell, and Caeleigh and Tim Chatman; step-grandchildren, Isaac, Steven, Liam, Owen, Timothy, and Nicholas; siblings, Tom and Pam Berger and Virginia Castle; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved son, Richard Sperry; and brothers, Russell Sperry, Douglas Sperry, and Jimmy Berger.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 20, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The committal graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on April 22 at the Cook Cemetery, West Oneonta, followed by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Mountain Rottie Rescue (a rescue dear to Richard), PO Box 350, Clifton Park, NY 12065, or via Venmo @Mountain-Rottie-Rescue.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com.