Richard M. Givens

Richard M. Givens, age 85 of Perry, passed away on Sunday February 7, 2021at the NYS Veterans Home at Batavia where he had been residing.
He was born on August 4, 1935 in Cortland, New York a son to the late John D. and Ilma W. (Wood) Givens.
Dick was a 1954 graduate of Owego Free Academy where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. During his Senior year he was named to the New York State All Star basketball team. Dick was also active in Scouting and finished his Scouting career with a rank of Eagle Scout. After high school Dick joined the US Coast Guard. After basic training he was sent to the South Pacific for the next three years. Upon completion of his Coast Guard duty Dick took a position with International Harvester Company, working his way up to Sales Manager of the Northeast region of the US. In 1970 Dick joined Walkley Farm Equipment in Perry, and became owner and President in 1984. On December 11, 1971 Dick married the love of his life Rosemary Beschen. Dick and Rosemary owned and operated Sears Catalog Store and Berry’s Variety Store in Perry for several years in the late 1980s.
A Member of St. Immaculate Conception in Pavilion, member and Past President of the Perry Rotary Club, Perry Library Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Silver Lake Country Club..
He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by 4 sons: Steven (Margaret) Givens of St. Cloud, Fl., David (Megan) Givens of Owego, John (Jessica) Givens of Phelps, Mark (Bridget) Givens of Perry, 8 grandchildren: Kaitlin Banfield, Nicole, Carol-Leigh, Sierra, Mary, Matthew, Kara and Claire Givens, 2 great grandchildren: David Jay and Noah Richard.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife: Rosemary who passed away on September 22, 2020.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 13, 2021 at 11:30am at St. Isidore’s Catholic Parish (St. Joseph’s Church) in Perry.
Dick will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry with full honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, New York 14530.