Trending
Richard L. "Dick" Girst, 81 of Fredonia, NY, died Friday September 25, 2026 at the Buffalo General Medical Center. Dick was born July 17, 1945 in Springville, NY, the son of the late Clarence and Anna (Leichner) Girst. Raised in Springville, he attended Springville schools and graduated from Springville Griffith Institute.
He graduated from SUNY Fredonia where he earned his bachelor's and master's degree.
Dick served in the United States Army from 1971-1973.
Dick dedicated his career to the Pine Valley Central School District, serving many years as a teacher, guidance counselor and winning basketball coach. He also served as the Athletic Director in the district. He was a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder for many years.
Dick is survived by his nephew, Jeff (Shari) Girst, of Springville, NY and his niece, Pamela (Jeffrey) Offhaus, of Orchard Park, NY; a great-nephew, Garret; a great-niece, Jessica and a great-great niece, Arianna.
Besides his parents, Dick is predeceased by his brother, Clarence Girst, Jr.,and Calvin Girst and sister-in-law, Joyce Girst.
Dick was an organ donor. Memorial contributions in Dick's memory to Connect Life (connectlife.org) would be appreciated.
A celebration of life for Dick will be held at Coughlan's Pub, 47 W. Main Street, Fredonia, Saturday October 3, 2026 from 1pm-3 pm, where Military Honor will be held, accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, and remembrances shared at 2 pm. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.