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[ In Memoriam ]

James Feury Richard Thurston
1947 – 2024 1941 – 2024

It is with profound sadness and cherished Richard K. Thurston, 82, of Richford passed
memories that we announce the passing of away peacefully on May 24, 2024 at his home
James Feury, beloved father, father-in-law, after a valiant battle with cancer. Richard, or
grandfather, and friend. James passed peacefully “Dick” as he was affectionately known by his
on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at the age of 77. family and friends, was born on June 10, 1941, the son of the late
Walter and Margaret (Hackett) Thurston.
James was born on May 4th, 1947, in Jersey City, New Jersey to the
late Anthony and Theresa Feury. Raised initially in Jersey City and Dick is survived by his son, Mitchell (Janella Beebe), Mitchell’s
then Waldwick, New Jersey with his brother, John, he attended Saint children: Bryan Thurston and Stacey (Craig) Evans, and Bryan’s
Lukes Catholic primary school in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, before children: Daimeon and Brianna. Son Mark (Michele) Thurston and
becoming a proud Ironman and basketball player at Don Bosco their combined seven children and 16 grandchildren. Son, Morgan
Preparatory School in Ramsey, New Jersey, graduating in 1969. It (Lori) Thurston and their children Samuel and Maxwell. Dick is also
was during this time that he met the love of his life, Joyce Marins. survived by his three nephews, Glenn, Greg, and Douglas Williams,
He then attended Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, a his beloved dogs Prince and Shepp, and many friends.
suburb of Philadelphia, where he obtained an engineering degree in In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his loving wife
1969 and then Newark College of Engineering where he obtained a of over 50 years Judith A. Thurston, and his sister Arlene Williams.
Masters degree in Engineering in 1974.
Dick was born in a farmhouse in Owego, NY and was a graduate of
In December of 1969, James and Joyce were wed. Together, they built Newark Valley High School, where he met the love of his life; Judy.
a beautiful family, welcoming two children into the world: Kevin and Dick and Judy were married at the Richford Congregational Church
Brian. James and Joyce raised their family in Mahwah, New Jersey After earning an Associate’s Degree, he embarked on a fulfilling career
where James was appointed township engineer in 1983. During as a Land Surveyor. His work not only showcased his precision and
the course of his career, James helped build the Azzolina and Feury attention to detail but also allowed him to traverse the beautiful
Engineering & Surveying business with his partner, James Azzolina. landscapes he so loved.
He had a passion for engineering and believed their work improved A man of varied interests, Dick found as much joy in the quiet
people’s lives and the community as a whole. patience of fishing as he did in the roaring engines of cars and the
James loved gardening, yard work and most importantly, Villanova excitement of drag racing.
basketball. When a game was on, his family knew that they weren’t His love for these pastimes was only matched by his steadfast
allowed to speak. He also loved all things Irish. An avid fan of Irish devotion to his faith. Richard began his religious life as a member
music, James and Joyce would travel annually to Ireland to attend of the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley. He later joined the
traditional Irish folk festivals. James was especially fond of the fiddle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while living in Reno, NV.
and took lessons in his later years. Above all, James dedicated himself He continued his relationship with the lord attending the Owego
to spending time, and sharing his talents with those he loved.
Ward and ultimately becoming a member of the Ithaca Ward until his
James is survived by his loving wife, Joyce final days. He attended the Temple in Palmyra, NY.
Feury. He was the devoted father to children, Dick’s adventurous spirit was evident in his personal life as well.
Kevin and his wife Susan and Brian and his Describing himself as a vagabond at heart, he moved several times
wife Justine. He was also the cherished between New York and California, embracing the journey and the
grandfather of Kaitlyn. changes that came with each new chapter. Ultimately, he and his
Online condolences may be offered family established their home in Richford, NY.
to the family at Memories and condolences can be shared in Dick’s guestbook at
www.vpfh.com/obituary/James-Feury
www.macphersonfh.com.

EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 60 • NO 4 2024 • JULY/AUGUST 29