Richard W. Gaus           “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Richard W. “Rick” Gaus, 66, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Belmont, NY, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Born on Monday, May 4, 1959 in Wellsville, NY, he was a son of Richard H. and Sarah R. Smith Gaus. On November 6,1981 in Eldred, he married Dorothy E. Stannard, who survives.

Rick was a graduate of Belmont High School. He served honorably in the US Army from 1981 to 1989, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he served in the US Army Reserves.

A paperboy for the Olean Times Herald from the age of 9 until 18, Rick received a Times Herald Recognition watch for his years of service. After his Army career, Rick was employed for Giant Food Mart in Wellsville, NY as a baker and at the same time was employed by Maynard’s Gas Station in Belmont. His last position before his retirement was as a machine operator for Crowley Foods in Arkport, NY.

Rick’s hobbies included coin collecting, fishing, gardening, canning and arrowhead hunting. A very intelligent man, Rick enjoyed his family and always made sure they were taken care of. He loved them unconditionally. He always told stories to anyone that would listen. He was a member and volunteer of the Belmont Fire Company in Belmont, NY.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife; a son, Richard W. (Kristen) Gaus of Shinglehouse; a daughter, Christina M. Gaus of Shinglehouse; two grandsons, Kyle Gaus and Kaleb Gaus; three granddaughters, Morgan A. Spinks, Alexis L. Kemp and Lelia E. Kemp; Two sisters, Kay (Ron) Fanton of Belmont and Sue Chind of Georgia; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Donna M. Albney, Dave (Becky) Albney, Adam (Julie) Stannard, Judy (Steve) Green, Lisa (Perry) Kinney, Bobby (Patti) Stannard, Becky (Chris) Hoffman, Debbie (Mac) McDonald and Ronnie (Jen) Stannard; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by three nieces, Holly Albney, Ashley Kinney, and Julie Taylor; two grandnephews, Trenton Miller and Blazedyn Faulkner; and a brother-in-law, Jim Albney.

Family and friends may gather from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with Pastor Tim Taylor of Crosstown Alliance Church, Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Ceres.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rick’s name may be made to the Belmont Fire Company, 80 Schuyler St., Belmont, NY 14813.

Rick’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Rick, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.