ARKPORT - Richard P. “Dick” Dresser, 85, of Arkport passed
away Wednesday afternoon (December 12, 2018) at home, surrounded by his family.
Born in Canaseraga, NY on July 13, 1933, he was the son of
Cleveland & Doris (Pierce) Dresser.
Dick was a graduate of Canaseraga Central School (class of
1951). He later served eight years as a member of the US Army National Guard.
On August 18, 1962 he married Betty Kame and was proud of
the fact he was married to his beautiful bride for 56 years.
Dick made his career working for Greyhound Bus Company as a
driver and also a trainer. He loved to drive and teach people how to drive.
Dick prided himself on being a professional driver and even drove himself to
his last doctor’s appointment. He had previously worked for the Allegany County
Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in the Canaseraga area.
An incredible wood worker and artist, Dick could make
anything. If he didn’t have a tool he
would simply make a tool to finish his projects. He was most proud of his professional
motorcycle racing career where he held titles as both a United States and
Canadian professional hill climbing champion in the late 50’s. Dick collected antique motorcycles and loved
his 1956 Triumph the most. He was proud
of his son Steven’s racing career and cherished the memories they made racing
together as they passed the racing “bug” and torch to John Koester who has made
him very proud.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by
his brother Dean; and also his brother-in-law, Larry Kame; his sister-in-law,
Muriel Kame. His beloved dog, “Climber” (a shelter dog) will be buried with
him, forever guarding his best friend.
Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty (Kame)
Dresser; his son, Steven (Nichole) Dresser of Hammondsport; his daughter, Wendy
(Mark) Dresser-Recktenwald of Arkport; his grandchildren, Danica Dresser,
Hannah Dresser, Justin (Kyleigh) Recktenwald, Cody Recktenwald; his extended
family, Gordy and Julie Koester, Jenna
Koester, Nicolle (Nate) Matthews, Nolan, Nessa & Nevelyn, John (Brittany)
Koester and his cat, Ernie. He is also
survived by his in-laws, Vincent and Patricia Kame, Irene Tychi and Joanne Kame
along with several nieces and nephews.
He was always extremely proud of his family.
The family of Richard P. “Dick” Dresser will receive friends
on Monday from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St.,
Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal
services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 p.m. with
Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, at the convenience of
the family.
Richard’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials
contributions in his name be made to the FROSTY FUND, Hornell Area Humane
Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell
14843. Memorial forms will be
available at the Dagon Funeral Home. The family of Richard P. “Dick” Dresser
wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Thelma Canfield who provided
unconditional support during this time, Dr. Virginia Shepard, and Care
First/Hospice. His grand-daughter-in-law, Kyleigh was the best “princess” ever
and took exceptional care of him.
