Richard "Speedy" Senft

Richard "Speedy" Senft, 56, a lifelong Town of Danube/St. Johnsville resident, entered into eternal rest peacefully on Thursday afternoon, August 22, 2024 in the comfort of his family home, following a courageous battle with cancer. He had the love and support of his devoted family members at his bedside when his passing occurred.

He was born on August 15, 1968, son of Kenneth A. and Andra J. (Dillenback) Senft and graduated from St. Johnsville High School. He was last employed in maintenance and as a watchman with Helmont Mills, St. Johnsville, where he was employed for over 35 years of service. He was a Tri County Militia reenactor for several years. Many will remember Richard riding around on his antique bicycle and was famous for perfectly being able to ride backwards. “Generous” was Richard’s middle name and he prided himself donating to numerous benefits and charities in the Mohawk Valley. He was a proud donor to the famous Indian Castle Church. You could always find Richard at the Bridge Street Diner in St. Johnsville enjoying the company of his many friends there. Some of his most special moments were spent at “the office” in the great outdoors with his uncle’s, Ronald and Gary. Richard belonged to the HC Smith Benefit Club in St. Johnsville. Being polite was one of his best attributes always welcoming others into his life with a warm handshake.

Survivors besides his parents include his siblings, brother, David M. Senft and wife Deborah and their daughters, Rebecca and Jessica Senft, brother, Brian S. Senft and wife Tammy and step niece, Erica Mailloux, uncles, Ronald Senft and Gary Senft and wife Paulette, aunts, Karen Thompson and Joan Christman and husband Samuel, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Richard was well-liked and highly respected; his friendly and engaging personality made him a wonderful friend to everyone he met. He was highly dependable and admired, a perfect people person and a good conversationalist. Richard was able to have true friendships with so many people, drawing them in with his sense of humor, character and spirit and will be truly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

There are no calling hours. As a tribute to Richard, relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life at the Indian Castle Church, State Route 5s in the Town of Danube with Tammy Bergen, officiating, on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 1 pm. Burial will take place in the Indian Castle Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Richard be sent to the Indian Castle Church Restoration Fund, c/o Mrs. Linda Weldon, P.O. Box 172, Little Falls, NY 13365. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at the Newville Grange, 135 Creek Road in the Town of Danube. The Senft family is being cared for by Daniel J. Enea-Funeral Director of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131.