Richard Francis Miazga, 71, of Brown Tract Rd., Remsen, passed away in Florida, April 14, 2009. Dick was born in Utica, NY, December 20, 1937, the son of Francis and Gladys Byszewski Miazga. He was raised and educated in Utica. He was a graduate of UFA. He later joined the US Marine Corp. Reserves for a number of years. In Raquette Lake, NY, on September 25, 1992, Dick was married to Constance J. Worden. As a carpenter, he was a partner at Marcy Wall and Ceilings System. He was a member of the West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693 of Homosassa, FL. He was a member of Carpenters Local #120 and Lathers Local #52. He also performed many jobs in both plumbing and heating. Dick loved woodworking and carving. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many hours spent outdoors at his home on Kayuta Lake in the Adirondacks, and during the winter months in Homosassa, FL. Dick spent many years in Inlet, NY, with his wife, Connie, running their antique shop, Thistle Creek Antiques. He especially loved his antique books and artwork. During the last few years, Dick spent many hours, in his favorite chair, enjoying his love of reading. His favorite books were westerns written by Louis L'Amour. Those that knew Dick will remember his quick wit and sense of humor. He was also known for being kind and gentle. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Constance; his devoted children: three daughters and sons-in-laws, Judith Ann and Michael Dios, Linda and William Smith, Elizabeth and David LaForce; one son and daughter-in-law, James Dean and Kathy Roberts; eight grandchildren, Melissa Dios, Aaron Dios and his wife, Courtney, William Smith, Suzanne Smith, Brittany Paulo, Colton Paulo, Courtney Roberts, and Connor Roberts; one great-grandson, Heston Dios; and a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Joseph Bien. Dick was predeceased by one daughter, Suzanne M. Miazga on December 21, 1988. His family would like to make a thank you to the many devoted family and friends who have shown their unwavering love and care throughout Dick's illness. Special thanks to Dick Lehman and Rich Thomann, Dick's partner and childhood friend, for their love, support and friendship. Special thanks go to the many dedicated doctors, nurses and technicians for their devotion, support and care at: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and Dr. Samir Desai at Faxton Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Allen List, Dr. Jeffrey Lancet, Dick's special nurse, Leslie Lauersdorf, at H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, FL. Mr. Miazga's funeral will be held Monday, April 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. at New Hartford United Methodist Church. His burial will take place at St. Stanislaus and Casimir Cemetery, Whitestown. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, will be held Sunday (today), April 19, 2009, from 3-7.Donations in Richard's memory would be appreciated to the Suzanne M. Miazga Scholarship Fund or to the Moffit Cancer Center Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.