Richard Kemner

GUILDERLAND – Richard "Dick" Kemner passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2012, at the age of 85.

Born on June 11, 1927 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late John and Dorothy (Mordensen) Kemner. Dick was a graduate of Draper High School. Dick proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Kearsage during World War II. He then served in the Army National Guard for a number of years, holding the rank of SFC E-7 at discharge. After 49 years of service, Dick retired from Ernest F. Fullman, Inc. where he worked as a lab technician.


Dick was an active member of the Fort Hunter Volunteer Fire Co., serving with the Fire Police as Captain. He was a life member of the Fire Police Assoc. of Albany County, and served over 18 years as a Fire Police instructor. He was a member of The Fireman's Assoc. of New York, and Student/Faculty Assoc. of the NYS Fire Academy. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and the shooting sports, and was a former Master Instructor for NYS-DEC Sportsman Education Program, a NRA and NYS Rifle & Pistol Assoc. member, and NRA Instructor and Training Counselor. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, and former Elder & Deacon at Lynnwood Reformed Church. Dick always appreciated the friendship of his neighbors in the Pine Bush, the camaraderie of the Fort Hunter Volunteer Fire Co., the "crew" of the USS Slater DE, and his pal, Mike Gammans who had helped him out so much in recent years.


Dick is survived by his daughter Janet (Douglas) Rhodes of Cuba, NY; his sons, Richard (Catherine Cholakis) of Brunswick, NY, and Robert (Nong) of Leesburg, VA; 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and his brother, Donald Kemner of Tysville, VA. Dick was predeceased by his parents, brother William (Grace) Kemner and sister, Mildred Bagley and daughter Carolyn Fumia.


A Memorial service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). A calling hour will precede the service from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, Dick requested that memorial donations be made to the USS Slater DE-766 Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201-1926 in his memory.