Rick Friend, of Newark Valley, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 16, 2016 as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest.  He will be greatly missed by his wife of 28 years, Andrea (Woods) Friend, son Christopher T. Friend, daughter Meredith A. Friend, parents Ray and Joy Friend, sister Yvette (Thomas) Papasodero, father and mother-in-law Bill and Joann Woods, brother-in-law Bill (Roxanne) Woods, nieces Gemma and Lindsay Papasodero, nephews Bradyn Woods and T.J. Papasodero, and many close friends.

In his honor, I, along with Mr. Palmatier, Nick Cole and Kyle Wolf wanted to put together this GoFundMe page.   Mr. Friend was a veteran Social Studies teacher at Union Endicott High School.  Rick was much beloved by his students year after year.  He left a lasting and memorable imprint on any and everyone that he came in contact with; always greeting you with a big smile and warm hello!  He was a tremedous friend and educator to many and his recent death has impacted so many who  loved him.

I cannot imagine what his family is going through, however through your donations this will honor his legacy of education and help towards the continuing education for his son, Christopher Friend and daughter, Meredith Friend.