John Richard Upham

When someone you love becomes a memory….the memory becomes a treasure. Life long and well respected dairy farmer, John Richard Upham, 73 of Neath, Pa passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side Thursday morning, July 28, 2011 following a period of declining health. Affectionately known as "Rich" or "John Richard" by his family and friends, he was born on November 16, 1937 in Towanda, Pa a son of the late Richard W. and Dorothy P. (Atkinson) Upham. He was a member of the last graduating class at LeRaysville High School where he participated with the school's basketball and baseball teams, although basketball was his favorite sport. On June 4, 1960, he married Jane Wilmot and together they raised four children. Dedicated to farming, Rich and Jane owned and operated the family farm until recently. He was a member of the Neath Welsh Congregational Church where he served as Deacon and Trustee. In addition, he was a member of the Northeast Bradford School Board, serving various positions for 17 years. He was instrumental in obtaining grants for the elementary school gymnasium and auditorium. For many years, Rich also served as Pike Township Supervisor. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sports and other activities. John Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane Wilmot Upham; his children: Janet and Bret Platt of Culpeper, Va; Rebecca and Conrad Carlsen of Rome, Pa; Richard E. and Lisa Upham of LeRaysville, Pa; Abigail and William Jones III of Friendsville, Pa; sisters and brother-in-law: Katherine Brown of Towanda, Pa; Anne and John Dean of LeRaysville, Pa; sister-in-law: Stella Walker of Wysox, Pa; his grandchildren: Devin, Karina, Dylan and Logan Platt; Kristin (Tom) Shores, Tory, and Kelsey Carlsen; Bryce, Kent and Levi Upham; Luke, Kenzie, Keri, Peyton, Krista and Kendel Jones. Several nieces, nephews and many friends also survive. He was predeceased by his parents: Richard W. and Dorothy Upham; and a brother-in-law: Robert Walker. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services and a celebration of Rich's life on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 3 pm at the Neath Welsh Congregational Church. Interment and prayers of committal will follow in the Neath Cemetery. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Sunday from 1 pm until the time of the service at 3pm. Memories and condolences for Rich's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Flowers will be provided by the family and memorial contributions may be directed to the Neath Welsh Congregational Church, c/o Alan Crawn, RR 2, Box 55, LeRaysville, PA 18829 or the Northeast Bradford Education Foundation, c/o Martha Young, 747 East Street, LeRaysville, PA 18829 in loving memory of John Richard Upham. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.