Richard C. "Dick" Laude

Richard "Dick" Laude, 90, passed away on Thursday, June 29th, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, with his daughter by his side. Dick was a lifelong resident of Seneca Falls. Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, July 5th, 2023, from 4-7PM at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 6th, at 10AM at St. Patrick's Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Following mass will be Interment, with military honors, at St. Columbkille Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of Seneca County, PO Box 737, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Dick was born in Seneca Falls, the youngest of 4 children, to Christian and Mary (Fitzsimmons) Laude. He graduated from Mynderse Academy, Class of 1951. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 3 years during the Korean War. Shortly after returning home, he married the former Arlene Pezzulo. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage until Arlene's passing in 2019. Even at 90 years of age, Dick maintained friendships from his time at school and in the service.

Dick was employed by Goulds Pumps for 47 years, where he worked his way up through the company and retired as Assistant Treasurer. He was a true gentleman and had a strong sense of community. Over the years, he sat on many boards, including Seneca Falls Historical Society and the Boy Scout Council, and was a founding member of the Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry. He also volunteered with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics, Creative Choices Child Care Center, Family Counseling of the Finger Lakes and Seneca County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Although he never sought recognition for his volunteer work, many expressed their appreciation, including the United Way with Volunteer of the Year awards, and two State Senators with a New York State Senate Resolution and an appointment to the NYS Veteran's Hall of Fame. On his 90th birthday, Dick was honored by Seneca Falls Town Supervisor Ferrara, who declared April 10th be observed as "Richard C. 'Dick' Laude Day. On this day, citizens are encouraged to give back to their community, just as Dick did.

As important as family and community were to him, so was the game of golf. At a young age, he fell in love with the game and took every opportunity to play or be on the golf course. He was known to walk or hitch a ride to the Seneca Falls Country Club so he could caddy and play. He was a member of the Club for decades, and served as Financial Advisor and President for a time. Not only was he a member on paper, but he was a member of the club's family, sharing special bonds with everyone there.

Dick is survived by his grateful children, son Brian and daughter Kyle Laude; several loving nieces and nephews; extended family; and so many dear neighbors and friends he made over the years. In addition to his parents and beloved wife Arlene, he was predeceased by his brothers John, who was killed in WWII, and Louis; and sister, Katherine Huebeler.