RICHARD LAWRENCE FENTON

Richard Fenton was born in Concord, New Hampshire on June 28, 1946. While walking a dog, he died suddenly in Winchester, Virginia, on June 19, 2023, just days before his 78 ^th birthday.

Richard left New Hampshire for New York as a young man. His partner of almost 50 years, Charles Thro, preceded him in death in 2013. He and Charles both worked in New York City for many years. Charles was the head landscaper at Rockefeller Center, and Richard worked in banking. After their careers, they retired to a small farm outside Waterford, Virginia. After tiring of their gentlemen farmers' retirement, they moved to Winchester in the early 2000s where they remained a happy and loving couple until Charles' death in 2013.

In retirement Richard signed up for various volunteer jobs to benefit the community—always as a quiet, efficient, and affable helper. He worked at the Highland Avenue Pantry on Tuesday mornings and evenings where food is distributed to those in need (whenever he received a free ham or turkey at Martin's, he made sure the Pantry gave it to a deprived family). He also delivered food to the homes of seniors. When his health kept him from these jobs, he worked on the coffee hour team at his spiritual home since 2009 with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley. Whatever he did, he did it with a contagious smile.

His last home was on Washington Street where he walked dogs with his landlord. He always seemed happy with whatever he was doing. He was kind to everyone, and kindness was certainly returned to him from those who knew him. He voted. He loved chocolate. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. RIP, Richard.

There will be a Remembrance Gathering open to the public for Richard at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, 6380 Valley Pike, Stephens City, at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to

Cartwright Funeral Home

Winchester, VA

cartwrightfuneralhome.com