Richard E. Luft

Mr. Richard E. Luft, 82, of Clark Avenue, Fort Plain, died suddenly on Monday, December 12, 2016. A lifelong area resident, Richard was born on November 21, 1934 in Fort Plain and was the son of the late Edward and Alberta Luft. He graduated from Fort Plain High School and later went on to serve in the United States Army from 1957 until 1963. Richard worked for Beech-Nut in Canajoharie as an accountant until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He was an avid supporter of the Fort Plain Hilltoppers and was often seen at many athletic events. Most of all, he loved his family dearly, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. On June 18, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marlyn E. Wahler Luft. That union lasted 54 years until her passing on February 10, 2009. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Brenda Swartz; and his siblings, Paul Luft and Jean Wrobel. Survivors include his daughter, Jodi Crouse and her husband David of Burnt Hills, NY; one brother, Gary Luft and his wife Diane of Verona; seven grandchildren, Stacey Mackes and her husband Phillip of Burnt Hills, Matthew Yacowenia and his wife Alicia of Burnt Hills, Tyler Baum of Fort Plain, Kristina Baum and her partner Torrin Matthews of Illion, Evan Yacowenia and his fiancée Allyson DeFazio of Malta, Mallory Baum and her fiancé Brenden Edwards of Illion, Donald Baum of Illion; five great grandchildren, Sophia, Landon, Kammara, Cole and Remi; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 4p.m. at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317 with the Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service, beginning at 2p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the spring in the Fort Plain Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com