Richard T. Lafferty, AIA

Richard T. Lafferty, AIA, 91, of Marcellus, passed away peacefully on Monday, with his family in the home he designed and built. 

Born in Allentown, PA, Dick moved with his family to Syracuse as a child and has been a lifelong resident. A graduate of Central High School, he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University through ROTC. Retiring as a U.S. Air Force captain, Dick attained licensure working for Sargent, Webster, Crenshaw, and Folley and retired from Bonacci Architects. Practicing architecture for 60 years, Dick’s involvement with notable renovations includes SU’s Hall of Languages, Burnett Park Zoo, and Landmark Theater. 

Serving as president of both the Central New York AIA and the New York State AIA chapters, Dick was recognized with the Del Gaudio Award from the American Institute of Architects, for service to the profession. He was appointed to serve on the New York State Board for Architecture, Regional Code Review Board, and the Onondaga County Plumbing Board. As a curriculum advisor for the National Deaf Institute of Technology at RIT, SUNY Delhi, and Onondaga Community College, he mentored future generations of architects. 

Dick and Janece had their first date at Archibald Stadium during a Syracuse vs. Maryland football game in 1959. Married in 1962, they shared 62 years as partners, traveling, swimming, playing bridge and dancing with the Top Hats. Dick served as Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus and never missed a concert or family event. 

Richard T. Lafferty’s willing service was evidenced by his dedication to his family and profession. An accomplished architect, artist, and creative mind, his kindness, hard work, and joyful spirit will be missed. Surviving are his wife, Janece; daughters, Hope and Alicia (Raúl Díaz); grandchildren, Veronica and Victor; and brother, Robert Lafferty and family. 

To celebrate Dick’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, October 26, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM, with the rosary at 9:30 AM, and Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W Genesee St, Camillus. 

Dick will be laid to rest in White Chapel Memory Gardens, DeWitt.