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Richard Brian Linch (April 8, 1941 - August 1, 2020)
After a life well lived, Richard Brian (Dick) Linch, of West Seneca, New York passed away on
August 1, 2020 succumbing to complications of pulmonary fibrosis, at the age of 79.
Born in Buffalo in 1941, Dick attended Saint Martin’s Elementary School and Bishop Timon
High School. His experiences and friendships from Timon stayed with him throughout his
life. After graduation, Dick served six and a half years in the United States Coast Guard. He
had been planning to re-up with the service, until he met Sharon Kennedy while home on
leave, and the rest is history. Dick was an amazing salesman and always said the best sale he
ever made was convincing her to marry him.
After their marriage Dick worked nights at Bethlehem Steel while pursuing his degree at
Canisius College. After graduating in three and a half years (and three children), Dick
worked for IBM and CTG before leading Buffalo’s Romac franchise, helping countless
people in their career search. An inventor and author, Dick wrote “Ellie Q Nuggets, the Girl
Who Learned to Like Bugs” dedicated to his grandchildren. A devout Catholic, Dick was an
integral part of the St. Catherine of Siena community as a Mission coordinator, Lector and
pre-Cana counselor, later serving at Queen of Heaven parish. Dick was a skilled and very
talented carpenter and electrician, and customized their home to accommodate his family.
After his retirement, Dick and Sharon enjoyed traveling and visiting their children and
grandchildren. During this time, Dick served on the Veteran Administration’s PACT
Committee, helping to improve care for Buffalo’s veterans.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-five years, Sharon, their children, Katie & John
Carroll, Amy Linch and Peter Ryan, Molly & Dennis DiMillo, Richard Linch, Veronica and Todd
Rockwitz, Jennifer and Charlie Quill, Grace and Eric Daley, and Maureen Linch and Kyle
Mach, and eighteen adored grandchildren.
Dick is also survived by his sister Aileen (Jerry) Daum, his aunt Helen Linch, and cousin Peggy
(Bob) Stryjewski. Dick’s dearly loved Kennedy family also survives him, Patricia Clayback,
Bernie & Pat Kennedy, Jane and Bud Lyons, and Eileen Kennedy & Bernie Majkowski, and
treasured nieces and nephews. They have entrusted his soul to heaven and his memory to
their hearts. He was predeceased by his son David Lewczyk, parents, Melvin & Aileen
(Conmy) Linch, Sharon’s parents, Edward & Jane (Makey) Kennedy and siblings-in-law
Donald Clayback, Betty & Jerry Eagen, Mike & Carol Kennedy, and Peggy & Dick Hornberger.
Visitation Tuesday & Wednesday 3-7 p.m. at NORMAN E. GANNON & SONS, Inc. FUNERAL HOME, 1075 Ridge Rd.; Lackawanna (824-4000).
Please remember that Face Coverings and a 6 foot separation are required. With the current Capacity Restriction, your entry into our Funeral Home may be delayed. Thank you for your comfort and support to the family and your patience in following the Mandated Restrictions.
Friends are invited to join the family for The Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Heaven R.C. Church, 4220 Seneca St.; West Seneca on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Bishop Timon/St. Jude Scholarship Fund or
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. Dick felt strongly that every day there is something each of us
can do to make the world and the people around you a little better. Please consider
performing an unexpected act of kindness in honor. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
St. Luke's Mission of Mercy
325 Walden Ave., Buffalo NY 14211
Tel: 1-716-894-4476
Web: http://www.stlukesmissionofmercy.org
Bishop Timon - St. Jude Scholarship Fund
601 McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo NY 14220
Tel: 1-716-826-3610
Web: http://www.bishoptimon.com/Giving/Scholarshipshttp://