Richard L. "Rich" Hoven Obituary (1948

Richard Leon Hoven age 75 of Geneva, NY, passed away in his home Saturday, November 4, 2023. He was born in Clifton Springs NY on May 12, 1948, to the late Camiel Hoven and Mary ("Sis" McCarrick) Sullivan. Richard was a fun-loving and active social man who never met a stranger. He believed that every person in this world was just a friend he hadn't met yet and he always saw the good in people. Richard loved the outdoors and was raised in the country where he developed a passion for exploring the land, hunting, and fishing. He took pride in his home and could often be found planting flowers and working in his yard. Richard was also a 19th Century barn historian. He shared his knowledge and skills through community lectures and demonstrations on post and beam constructions of barns. In his 20s, Richard actively supported his community as a member of the Jaycees, which grew into a lifetime of pride and support for his friends in his beloved hometown of Phelps. He also volunteered with the Seneca County horse search and rescue team. Richard will be deeply missed by his wife, Jody. He is survived by his mother Mary Sullivan, children Julie (Steven) Bellomo, Danielle (Ed) Krenzer, and son-in-law Tim Maslyn; his stepchildren Brad (Sheila) Barber and Shelly (Al) Reese, Emily (Joe) Milliman, Tammi (Steven) Hancock and Zachary Koegler; his brothers Bruce (Karen) Hoven and Eric Hoven, and his sister Mari Elizabeth Cole. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rich was predeceased by his daughter Kym Maslyn in May of 2022. After graduating from Phelps High School in 1966, Richard honorably served in the US Navy Reserves in 1967. In his career, Richard worked as a draftsman at Seneca Falls Machine, skillfully bringing his attention to detail to life utilizing his skills and attention to detail. He later led sales at Vergason Technology in Van Etten, NY before retiring. Richard found solace and community worshipping at the North Ontario Methodist Church. In his free time, Richard enjoyed indulging in his hobbies, including being a knowledgeable 19th Century barn speaker, detailed woodworking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and a collector of interesting fossils. Friends and family may call on Thursday, November 9 2023, from 12PM-2PM at the Cheney Funeral Home, 70 Main Street Phelps, NY. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2PM. Burial will be private in Fayette Rural Cemetery Ovid Street (NY- 414) Fayette NY. Richard will be remembered for his vibrant personality, his love for nature, his never-ending stories, and his dedication to living life to the fullest. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, dear Richard, as you embark on your greatest and brightest adventure yet.