Richard "Rich" W. Molatch

Richard "Rich" W. Molatch, 72, of Onondaga Hill, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Loretto. Born and raised in New City, he lived in the Oneonta area for 20 years before moving to Syracuse in 2005.

Richard earned his bachelor's from Hartwick College in 1967, master's from Cortland in 1969 and his Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from Cortland in 1975. He retired as superintendent of McGraw Central School District in 2000.

Richard previously taught at Groton Central School District as a social studies teacher for six years and was superintendent of the Unatego and Deruyter Central School Districts, vice principal of Phoenix Middle School, principal of Deposit Junior Senior High School and assistant superintendent of Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District.

Richard and his wife owned a gift shop in Cooperstown for 13 years before selling the business and moving to Syracuse to be closer to family. He grew up going to the Yankee Stadium, loving the NY Giants and golfing from an early age. He was a member of the Leatherstocking Golf Club in Cooperstown.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Ethelwyn; and brother-in-law, Craig Smith.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, the former Sherry Smith; daughter, Stacy (Brendan) Grooms of Onondaga Hill; brother, Robert (Sandra) Molatch of Middletown; grandson, Aidan Grooms; sister-in-law, Melinda Smith of Vestal; and nephews, Jason and Christopher Smith.

The family would like to thank the staff at Loretto, especially Dessie, Brian, Brenda, Carlos, Sandra and Angie.

Relatives and friends may call Saturday, December 2 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd., Camillus.

Services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church. Spring burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation, 224 N. Second St., Suite 2, DeKalb, IL 60115.