Richard "Dick" J. Laufer

Richard “Dick” J. Laufer, 75, of Geddes, passed away peacefully at home on Friday.

A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, Dick was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. In his youth, he loved spending time at the family camp on the Seneca River, where he enjoyed boating and waterskiing.

After high school, Dick proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He began his service aboard the USS Intrepid before joining the Navy Seabees, with duty stations in Iceland and Guam. Following his military service, Dick worked at Crucible Steel before beginning a 32-year career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service.

In retirement, Dick continued to stay active by working at Foxfire Golf Course, where he enjoyed working on the grounds and spent winters relaxing in Nalcrest, Florida. Always handy, he enjoyed occasional work as a contractor alongside his father-in-law.

Dick enjoyed playing cards and was a devoted fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

Dick will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and his lifelong dedication to service.

Dick was predeceased by his grandson, Eric Kunai Jr.; and parents, Emil and Genevieve.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Nancy; daughters, Melissa (William) Sainsbury of Syracuse and Lori (Eric) Kunai of Liverpool; sons, Jason of Baldwinsville and Jake (Victoria) Laufer of Hannibal; grandchildren, Tyler (Lindsay) Wilson, Ondraya and Anna Kunai, Nolan Laufer, Katelyn, Claire and Ryan Sainsbury, and Paige Laufer; great-granddaughter, Mahari Abram; a great-grandson on the way; brother, Robert (Margaret) Laufer of Syracuse; and several nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Dick’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will follow at noon in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Dick will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr., Ste. 102, E. Syracuse, NY 13057 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.