“beloved companion, father and grandfather”

Wayne A. Rich, 79, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, after a long illness.

Born on Tuesday, August 17, 1943 in Denver, Colorado, he was a son of Frank and Mildred Pagach Rich.

Wayne was a graduate of Vinyl Tech in Middletown, Connecticut.  He was the owner/operator of C & R Electric in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, until his retirement in 1989.

He was a member of Colchester Fish and Game Club in Colchester, Connecticut.  Wayne was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He won the 1981 Archery Championship in Connecticut. He was a social member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530.  He loved classic cars, attending car shows and attending drag races.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving companion of 22 years, Suzanne “Sue” Foster of Allegany, N.Y.; a son, Paul S. (Angela) Rich of Newport, NC; a daughter, Laura L. (Bill) Humphreys of Eustis, FL; two granddaughters, Samantha and Nicole; and Sue’s five children who Wayne considered his own, Robert (Patty) Sander of Allegany, NY, Linda McCaffrey of Allegany, NY, Randy Sander of Melbourne, FL, Pamela (Freddy) Ortega of Manteo, NC, and Debra (Jimmy Frair) Terrette of Portville, NY; and Sue’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name may be made to the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, 497 PA 244, Oswayo, PA 16915 or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Wayne’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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 Wayne, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.