Obituary of Richard Martin Conklin

Richard Martin Conklin January 22, 1941 - December 8, 2017 Campbell Hall, NY. Richard Martin Conklin, 76, of Campbell Hall, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2017, surrounded by his devoted and loving family at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River, NJ, after a brief illness. Richard, known as "Ollie" by those closest to him, was born on January 22, 1941 in Suffern, NY, to Helen (Zrelak) and Reynold Conklin, and was the 2nd of 9 children. Richard proudly served in the US Military from 1960 to 1966 as an Army Sergeant and brigadier general's personal chauffeur, and remained a patriotic and active member of the Sloatsburg American Legion. After being honorably discharged, Richard married his sweetheart Linda Kelly, and they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Richard was the proud owner and operator, along with his brothers, of Ramapo Valley Rapid Transit Corporation in Suffern, NY for more than 30 years. He was passionate about flying helicopters, and often landed in the yard of his home simply to excite his children and take them for rides. He was an avid golfer, and was happiest when on the golf course socializing with family and friends, and vacationing with them in Naples, Florida. His greatest joy was his family. He loved them and his friends, unconditionally. He exemplified grace, dignity and generosity, and provided all who knew him with the lessons of a well-lived and well-loved life. He leaves fond memories to all who knew and loved him, including his wife, Linda, his five children and their spouses, Kayneen Slayton (Adam), Kerrin Conklin (Tracey), Kathleen DeMatteo (Nick), John Conklin (Tara) and Kelly Kline; and his six grandchildren, Samantha Slayton, Olivia and Jake DeMatteo, Colin Kline; and Mikayla and Tristan Conklin, as well as his eight siblings and their spouses, : Reynold Jr (Hap), Hope, James (Maureen), Rita (Deko), Harry (Sue), Phyllis (George), Kathy (Neil) and Nancy (Jimmy). The family wishes to express their appreciation for the love and compassionate care provided by the doctor and nursing staff of Villa Marie Claire Hospice, Saddle River, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Rd, Goshen, NY 10924 or Villa Marie Claire Hospice, 12 W Saddle River Rd, Saddle River, NJ 07458. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12th, from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave, Goshen NY. Burial will follow in Orange County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, Goshen. To leave condolence visit www.donovanfunerals.com