Richard J. (Dick) Willey

Richard Willey passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of his loving wife on February 3, 2026 at 1pm. He entered eternal life after dealing with heart issues for 20 years. Dick was the son of the late Edward and Mabel Diener Willey and was born on February 17, 1931. He was raised on a farm in rural Latham. He was educated in a two-room schoolhouse along with his older brother and several cousins among the students and then traveled by public bus to attend Albany schools. He actively worked the farm with his family when not attending school. 

After his education, he worked for a printing company in Albany and then was in the Marine Corps. from 1952-54 which he shared fond memories of often. He was on a ship headed to Korea when the armistice was signed in 1953, so the ship turned around and stopped in Japan for some further training. He was a Corporal when honorably discharged in 1954. 

Dick married his wife of 56 years, Jane Quay Willey, in March 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Altamont. They enjoyed living in the Albany County Hilltowns for 32 years where Dick maintained a large vegetable garden and was self-employed as a home remodeler for 25 years. After their retirement, they spent the next 28 winters in Dunedin, FL. They sold their Hilltown home and moved to Guilderland during that time. 

Dick was an active outdoorsman, involved in fishing, hunting, trap shooting competition and golf. When he was 62, a good friend said “I have an extra set of clubs. Would you like to try golf?” Dick fell in love with the game (thanks to Don D.) and was able to play both in FL and NY 3-4 times a week. In FL, he joined a group where they played private and semi-private courses without becoming a member. He managed to get lucky with 4 holes-in-one over those years! The Briar Creek Golf course was his “go to course” when in NY. 

Dick and Jane enjoyed traveling and had special trips to California, Nebraska, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alaska, Bahamas, and some cruises as well as the northeast USA states and Canada. 

Dick is survived by his wife Jane, his brother Rodger Willey, his sister-in-law Virginia Willey, nieces and nephews, and from a previous marriage, his daughters Bonnie Morehead (Dennis) and Deborah Sedlak (Tom), 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Jane’s family as well as cousins and many valued friends. Dick was predeceased by his parents, his brother Edward Willey, his sister-in-law Janet Willey and his son Gregory Willey-Watkins. 

As was his desire, there will be no viewing or public service. Cremation was his wish and a private interment will be held at Memory Gardens. Dick’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered. 

We wish to acknowledge sincere thanks to Hospice nurse Lori, Jane’s great-niece Rachel who is also an RN, and her friend, Taylor, for the excellent care they gave to Dick during the last weeks of his life. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at DeMarcoStone Funeral Home.com. If desired, contributions would be appreciated in Dick’s memory to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208, The American Heart Association, or any Veteran’s organization of your choice.