Richard J. Clas (July 8, 1925 - March 4, 2026)
With our deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Richard J. Clas of Penfield, NY, who died peacefully at the age of 100 on March 4, 2026. Richard, known to many as Dick Clas, was a devoted husband and father of seven. He was predeceased by his only daughter, Julie Clas-Baker, and his son, Dan Clas. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Joanne, to whom he was married for 77 years; his sons Richard (Marie), James (Pam), David (Julie), Terry (Kathy), and Andrew; his “second daughter,” Terry Jeanne (Vic); as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Born in 1925 in Albany, New York, to John and Caroline Clas, Dick spent his summers growing up in North Creek surrounded by many aunts and uncles. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1941, attended Siena College, and later graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and continued in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Captain in 1985. While at the Naval Academy, Dick was named Champion Pistol Marksman and was awarded a nickel-plated, engraved .45 pistol during halftime of the Army-Navy football game by the Secretary of the Navy.
He married Joanne Kurrus in 1949, and together they moved around the country during his naval assignments. Eventually he began a career as an electrical engineer at Eastman Kodak, and in 1955 they settled in Penfield, NY, where they raised their seven children and were longtime members of St. Joseph’s Parish.
Dick competed locally, statewide, and nationally as a pistol marksman and taught riflery at the YMCA, where his son Richard later achieved the rank of Distinguished Expert Marksman. In his free time, Dick enjoyed repairing and painting cars, spending summers in the Adirondacks with his family, and golfing. He was also an avid sports fan. After retiring from Kodak in 1985, he devoted his time to what mattered most to him, his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard will be laid to rest at White Haven Memorial Park beside his beloved daughter Julie and son Dan. The family finds peace knowing he has been reunited with them and celebrates the life he lived and the family he created.
A service will be held at White Haven Memorial Park on Saturday, March 7, at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Willow Domestic Violence Center.
David A. Doser Funeral Home & Cremation Service
76 South Main Street
Fairport, NY 14450
Tel: 1-585-223-9144
https://doserfuneralhome.com/obituary/Richard-Clas