Esther Richards

Esther Richards, 85, of River Ridge Living Center, Amsterdam, NY, passed away Wednesday morning, at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, after a long illness. She was born October 3, 1922 in Amsterdam, NY and she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Lucy Olivieri Volturo. She was also the step-daughter of the late Dominik Costello. Esther was a graduate of the Wilbur H. Lynch High School, class of '42. She was employed as a sewing machine operator for Coleco Industries in Amsterdam for a number of years. Esther was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church and a member of the former Convent Auxiliary. Esther loved cooking, crocheting, traveling and especially spending time with her family. On November 14, 1943, she married Dominik Richards, who died May 23, 2002. She was also predeceased by a sister Jeannie Crocetti and her son-in-law Robert Ratajczak, who died January 30, 2007. Survivors include her loving family; four daughters Linda A. Ratajczak of Amsterdam, Pamela Mecca Paul of Gloversville, Emma L. Hansen of Gloversville and Christine M. Porcello of Amsterdam; 6 Grandchildren Donna Marie Hamilton, Melissa Corbett James, Cheryl Porcello, Charles Hansen, Jennifer Phillips Jason and Anthony Porcello. One Great Grandson Aidan John Drozinski; a close family friend Tonya Spicci. Nieces, Nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be held 11:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Grove St, Amsterdam, NY with the Reverend Lawrence Decker officiating. Burial will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery in Amsterdam. Calling hours will be held on Friday February 1, 2008 from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home with a Legacy Candle Ceremony to be held at 6:45. Memorial Contributions may be made in Esther's memory to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Roan, Loudonville, NY 12211.