Obituary of Richard D. Nearbin

On April 23, 2024, while residing at the Palatine Nursing Home, Palatine Bridge, NY, Richard D. Nearbin, 89, closed his blind eyes, took his final breath here on earth, and opened his eyes in Heaven to see His Lord and Savior, whom he loved and served for most of his life. He was a member of Faith Bible Church, Sprakers, NY, and has lived in the Fort Plain area since 2010.

Richard was born on July 15, 1934 in Oswego, NY to Foster and Rachel Nearbin. He attended Oswego Public Schools, graduating in 1953. After graduation Richard joined the U.S. Air Force and served our country from 1954 until he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1958. In 1957, while stationed in Japan, Richard heard the gospel message of salvation and accepted Jesus as his Savior.

After his military service he attended Houghton College from 1958 to 1963.  It was during this time he met and later married Ina Frasier on August 22,1959 in Oswego, NY. Ina predeceased him July 28, 2017.  While at Houghton, they had two children, Rebecca and Nathan. Following graduation from Houghton the family moved to Chicago and Richard began working at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  He worked there for 36 years from 1963, until he retired in 1999. During that time, they had three more children, Deborah, Stephen, and Mark.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Foster and Rachel, his siblings, Robert Nearbin, Rose Ingersoll, Kenneth Nearbin, Ruth Legates, Rhea Beshures, and Cathy Garrison. He is survived by his sister, Cherie Burridge, children, Rebecca and (Randy) Wandell, WI, Nathan Nearbin, Deborah Brooks, Stephen and (Debra) Nearbin, all from Chicago, Mark and (Rebecca) Nearbin, Canajoharie, NY. Also, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His best friend, Bob Lahey, whom he spent most of his childhood with, and spoke about often, passed away the day before Richard.

Richard had a variety of interests he enjoyed doing. Among them were journaling, reading, photography, singing, playing piano, biking, and swimming (he was a life guard for many years). He also enjoyed yodeling and often boasted of the contest he won as a teenager.  He enjoyed creating homemade greeting cards which he spent hours putting together to make each one unique and special for each individual friend or relative he sent them to.

Calling hours to which family and friends are invited to attend, will be held on Friday, April 26, from 12:00 to 2:00 at Houghtaling and  Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie. At 2:00PM a funeral service will take place with Richard’s brother-in-law, Larry Alkinburgh officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Freysbush Cemetery.

Following the burial, friends and family are invited to a reception at the Fort Plain Fireman’s Home on Canal Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Bible Academy, 108 Crosby Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.