Richard Kane

Richard Kane 82 of Vestal

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Richard Paul Kane who left us too soon on the morning of February 18th, 2021 in his home.  He was predeceased by his son Kevin Kane in 2018 five brothers Bill, Bob, Jerry, Jim, and Frank six sisters Kate Warren, Mary Winterstein, Rita Sabatino, Jean Monroney, Betty Slocum, and Ellen Mitchell.  Richard is survived by his wife Jonamae (Joni) Kane, son Christopher (Deborah); and three cherished grandchildren Madeline Jared, and Parker.  He is also survived by his sister Judy Simma of North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews. Dick was born in Binghamton to William and Margaret Kane in 1938 the 12th of 13 children.  He attended St. Patrick's Parochial school and graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1956.  He served in the Marine Corps Reserve for eight years during that time completed his basic training at Parris Island, but never went into active service because of a job offer from IBM.  Dick and Joni were married in 1958 and moved to the New Brunswick, NJ area with IBM.  In 1965 they returned to Vestal to be closer to their families. At that time Dick was accepted into a 2 1/2 year equipment service training course with IBM and at completion graduated with the title of Service Specialist.  Because of his specialty training he was able to travel to Scotland, Italy, France, and many locations in the United States.  During his career at IBM, Dick was given many awards specifically in the automation area finally retiring in 1992 as a Senior Associate Engineer after 34 years of service.   After retirement Dick studied Gunsmithing and became the FF- NY license gunsmith dealer.  Dick was a member of Saint Mary of the Assumption church and volunteered for many years in the setting up of their annual Bazaar and Annual Columbus Day parade tent in Binghamton.  Dick and Joni met as teenagers at the carousel in Recreation Park and were a devoted couple, being happily married for over 62 years.  In their younger days, they loved to ski, and were active members of the Triple Cities Ski Club.  Before and after retirement they enjoyed traveling and visited many countries including Scotland, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Caribbean Island Cruises. Their trip to Germany entailed taking Chris’ soccer team (20 young boys) to Nurnberg for competitive games with the German teams. Ending on a happy note Dick will always be remembered for bringing smiles to children’s’ faces as they watched him transform a handkerchief into “Herman” the mouse who jumped.  Richard, Dick, Dad, and RP (as his grandkids called him) will live in our hearts forever.
 A joint memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday 11:00 AM from Saint Vincent DePaul Blessed Sacrament Church 465 Clubhouse Road Vestal for Richard and Kevin.  The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time at 11. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in the spring after COVID-19 restrictions have eased. All COVID-19 requirements will be observed including masks worn and social distancing.  Arrangements are with Albert J DeMarco c/o THOMAS J. SHEA FUNERAL HOME INC. 137 Robinson St Binghamton.

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