Obituary for Richard D. "Gramps" Ireland.
Published in The
Observer-Dispatch from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2017 
WESTMORELAND, NY - Richard D.
Ireland, 84, of Westmoreland, peacefully joined his loving wife, Barbara,
in Heaven on August 7, 2017.
Richard was born in Harvey, IL, on August
31, 1932, where he began his lifetime love of "Da Bears". The son of the
late Edgar and Martha Ireland, Richard graduated from Florida State
University, where he was a member of a three time National Championship
Gymnastic Team. He remained a lifelong Seminoles fan. He married his grade
school sweetheart, Barbara, on August 1, 1953. Richard served his country
as a pilot in the United States Air Force for 22 years; he was a Vietnam
veteran. Upon retiring as a Major, he served in the Schenectady Air Guard
while becoming a commercial airline pilot for US Air. After retirement, he
spent many years as a volunteer coach for youth athletics with an
exceptional passion for football. He also enjoyed his time spent substitute
teaching physical education in the Westmoreland School District.
Richard
was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara; three brothers, Bud Ireland,
Jim and Connie Ireland, and Chuck and Jan Ireland; and a sister, Peggy and
Bob Stephenson. He is survived by daughter, Karen and Tom Matt, and in-law,
Kathy Matt; son, Richard and Joanne Ireland; seven grandchildren, Brenda
and Steven Hull, Sean and Jocelyn Ireland, Ryan and Sarah Ireland, Kate and
Nick Panza, Keith and Lisa Matt, Scott Matt, Cody Matt and Cassidy; nine
great-grandchildren, Logan, Shennen, Brayden, Kaden, Keira, Padric, Rhys,
Nathan and Michael; a special niece and nephew, Sharon and Mark WeMett and
David and Pam Strahorn; sister-in-law, "Dot" Ireland; and brother-in-law,
Jim and Bev Clark.
