Richard Felch Obituary

Felch, Dr. Richard Abram DELMAR Dr. Richard Abram Felch, 80, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 20, 2022. He was born in Detroit on April 20, 1942, to Rebecca and Joseph Felch followed by his brother Paul and sister Deborah. After attending Wayne State, and the Chicago School of Osteopathy, Richard came to Albany to complete his residency and fellowship in child psychiatry at Albany Medical Center. It was in Albany that Richard would meet his beloved wife of 39 years, Bernadette Keane. Richard's passion for medicine led him to a decades long career helping others at SUNY Albany student health center, St. Catherine's Center for Children as well as a private practice in Delmar. Outside the office, he always generously offered his wisdom and support to members of the many communities was a part of. Richard's other great passion in life was for rock climbing. This adventurous love led him to summiting Half Dome in a Yosemite, completing alpine ascents in the Canadian Rockies, first ascents in the Adirondacks as well as countless hours spent in the Shawangunks Mountains of New Paltz and elsewhere. He was a staple of the gunks climbing scene from the mid-70s, and it was in that community where he created many lifelong friendships. He will be remembered for the many lives he touched, but also for his always dry sense of humor and wit. An avid supporter of local Jazz, he would spend hours laughing and jamming with other guitarists, always seeking to learn from the best. Richard will be dearly missed by his loving wife Bernadette; his sons, Jonathan and Andrew Felch; and daughters-in-law, Gigi Felch, and Emily Kriss; his sister, Deborah Buglisi, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Felch A memorial service will be held at Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue in Albany on Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m. Following the service, the family will be receiving mourners at Richard's home. Donations may be made in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (Lbda.org) or the Gunks Climbers' Coalition (gunksclimbers.org). For directons or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit levinememorialchapel.com