Richard H. “Dick” Nellist
MEDINA- Richard H. “Dick” Nellist, entered into rest on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Born on the family farm in the Town of Somerset on October 5, 1929, he was the youngest son of Donald and Esther (Bloomfield) Nellist.
After graduating from Barker High School in 1946, Dick served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 7th Hospital Band stationed in Valley Forge, PA. In 1954, he married the former Shirley Maxon and together they settled in Medina.
He was employed for 31 years by Harrison Radiator in Lockport and retired in 1987. He was a charter member of the Medina Auxiliary Police, where he served both as Lieutenant and as Captain.
Being a local history buff, he was a member of the Medina Historical Society and served as Historian for the Town of Ridgeway for 20 years. In 2017, he and his wife, Shirley were honored as “Heritage Heroes” for their efforts in preparing detailed records for the 11 cemeteries in the Town of Ridgeway- over 11,000 burials all told, which are now loaded into the Orleans County Genweb system online and available for anyone doing genealogical research.
Always interested in music, Dick was a member of T.O.P.A. and actively participated in several of the group’s musicals in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In his 80’s, he again began “blowing the horn” as a member of the Barker Community Band.
Dick is survived by his son, Gregory M. (Lynne) Nellist of Medina; daughter, Patricia A. (Jon) Holden of Lockport; granddaughters, Amanda Holden of Washington D.C. and Krista A. Nellist (Ryan Leffler) of Churchville. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Nellist in 2019; grandson, Michael Holden in 2018; and brother, Robert Nellist in 2020.
Friends may call on Wednesday, December 21 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where his memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Somerset Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Medina Historical Society, 406 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103 or the Barker Community Band, P.O. Box 43, Barker, NY 14012. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com
