Richard J. Common Jr., 75, of Whitcomb Road, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, December 18, 2023, after a long illness. He was born April 10, 1948, in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Richard J. Sr. and Clara (Milgate) Common. On July 1, 1988, he married Pamela M. Pitman, who survives.
Richard was a former resident of Cheektowaga, graduating from Lancaster High School in 1966. He was a United States Army Veteran, who served from 1968 to 1971, including a tour in Vietnam and time in Germany. After his service, he found his career in truck driving, having learned his trade in the service. His first job was driving for Sebiel Manufacturing, and he later retired from Roadway Express. In 2001 he and Pam moved their family to Belmont; he was a member of the Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW, of Wellsville, and volunteered at Jones Memorial in Admissions. Besides his love of riding motorcycles, he collected and refurbished Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, acquiring a small fleet of them. Richard also enjoyed riding his golf cart on his property with his grandchildren and loved all music.
In addition to his wife of 35 years, Pam, he is survived by: two daughters, Kimberly Common Black and Natalie Common; four sons, Richard J. Common III, Erik (Santania) Buehler, Justin Common and Joel Common; 11 grandchildren, Aiden and Allison Geffers, Corbin Billings, Brandon Common, Lilianna, Abigail, Elaina, Hunter and Greyson Buehler, and Krischan and Andrew Pietrantoni; two sisters, Jane Morgan and Barbara (Leo) Reynolds; a niece and three nephews; lifelong best friend, Dennis Byrne of Cicero; and a baby boy kitty named Coal.
Friends are invited to the American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville, on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 1 pm for a Veteran’s Service followed by a Celebration of Life. Please consider memorial donations to the Office for the Aging, 6085 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813.
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