Richard L. "Dick" Dent

Richard L. "Dick" Dent , 95, of Russell passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at his home where he was under the care of family and Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley.

Richard was born February 4, 1930, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Lester and Esther (Covert) Dent. He served honorably in the United States Navy for five years, where he was an original Plank holder of the USS Des Moines, and was a machinist mate in the boiler room.  He also served on the USS Cadmus.

On December 18, 1954, Richard married Norma Jean Jamison. Richard worked for Corning Incorporated and was among the initial group to look at the property for the Corning Canton plant. He was very proud of his work designing the furnaces and making the mirror for the Hubble Telescope and other projects. He retired in 1987 to spend time with family.

Richard served two terms as Mayor of Hermon, was the Russell town justice, served on both the Hermon and Russell Library Boards and helped bring the Hermon Health Center to the village. Richard loved spending time with his seven children, his grand and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed doing diamond art and making visits to Amish produce stand where he made several friends.

In their earlier years, Richard and Norma Jean travelled, especially enjoying their time visiting Maine and spending time in Florida. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and was a Free Mason.

Richard is survived by his seven children, Richard "Mike" Dent, Bonnie (John) Friot, Sally (Marshall) Noble, John Dent, Esther (Ron) Dana, Pam Dent and Ron (Becky) Dent, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Norma Jean, and his parents Lester and Esther, he was predeceased by three grandsons, Aaron, Bryan and Joseph Dent, a great-granddaughter Sophia Dana and a daughter-in-law, Christina Dent.

Calling hours for Richard will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Canton.

There will be a celebration of life immediately following the burial at O'Leary Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be shared on Richard's memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Richard L. Dent are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.