Richard W. Gustafson passed away August 17, 2014 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Born February 5, 1933 in Chatham, NY he was the son of the late Frank R. and Beatrice Wheeler Gustafson. Richard graduated from Chatham High School in 1950 and joined the Marine Corp during the Korean War. He worked for the railroad and later as a tower boss at Columbia Box Board. He loved his time with his daughter up at the horse barns at the fairgrounds. Richard also enjoyed football, especially the Giants. He was a member of the Ghent VFW and the Chatham American Legion. A private man with a huge heart that loved his time with family the most. Richard is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Florence, daughter Holly (Daniel Brackett) Gustafson, step sons Richard and Ronald Blanchard, granddaughters Rachel (Brian) Duggan, Rebekah O'Rourke and Bridget Brackett, great grandchildren Callan and Rory Duggan, his sister Frances (Jack) Mesick and several nieces and nephews. Services are private and have been entrusted to the care of the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Contributions in Richard's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. To convey an online condolence visit frenchblasl.com.