Richard E. Wilkins

Obituary

Richard E. Wilkins, 81, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Born in Wellsville, New York, on February 25, 1945, to Raymond and Shirley Wilkins, Richard grew up in Scio and graduated in 1963. He went on to attend SUNY Brockport, earning his degree in education. It was during his time at Brockport that he met the love of his life, Bonita Farr. The two were united in marriage on January 18, 1969, and went on to build a beautiful life and home together in Medina, New York. 

Following college, Richard was drafted into the United States Army and serving his country in the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he dedicated his career to educating young minds, joining Medina Central Schools as a middle school math teacher, a role he held with passion and devotion for 35 years. Beyond the classroom, he served as a mentor and coach to countless students in both basketball and soccer. 

Richard loved spending time on the golf course whenever he got the chance. He was also an avid card player, rarely turning down a good game of Bridge and loved watching his favorite team the Atlanta Braves.  Above all else, Richard’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he treasured every moment spent with his six beloved grandchildren. 

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Bonita S. Wilkins (Farr); his children: Ryan (Teresa) Wilkins, Leslie (Brad) Junghans, and Rebecca (Blain) Oihus; his cherished grandchildren: Reagan, Kylie, Lucas, Braden, Sawyer, and Carter; his sisters, Trudy (Joe) Fernandez and Debbie Wright; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Shirley Wilkins and his sister Patricia (Don) Kennedy. 

A funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 1:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Avow Hospice at avowcares.org. 

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