Dr. Richard “Dick” Naylor, Ph.D

(Oct 15,1942 – Oct 18, 2025)

Dr. Richard “Dick” Naylor, a beloved educator, community leader and longtime City Chairman of the Schenectady Democratic Committee passed away on Oct 18, 2025 at the age of 83.

For more than 25 years, Dick served as City Chairman of the Schenectady Democratic Committee, where he was known for his unwavering dedication to civic engagement and public service. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others, the Committee established the “Richard Naylor award for Community Service” in 2022. honoring his legacy of compassion and leadership

Dick’s personality was defined by passion, humility and optimism. His infectious laugh, generous spirit, and love for people left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Dick was predeceased by his soulmate, Joan Leonelli, his best friend and confidant. Also, his Mother Dorothy Adams Naylor and his father Ralph Naylor.

Dick is survived by his sister Patricia Ince, nephews Jeff, Chris and Dave Ince, and Joans children; Christine, Susan, David, Anne and Beth Leonelli – whom he loved as his own.

Dick grew up in Elmira NY and graduated from Bucknell University with a BA in History. He then joined the Peace Corps in Turkey where he spent two years working with middle school students and engaged in community development. Dick went on to take a position at the Experiment in International Living in Putney Vt. a training center sponsored by the Peace Corp.

Dick received his Master of Arts in teaching at Antioch University in New Hampshire, and a Ph.D in History and Education at SUNY Albany. Dick taught history at SUNY Albany and worked at Schenectady Community College in Career Services.

Dicks career services experience at Schenectady CC lead him to Russell Sage where he started in 1981 as Director of Educational Services and Career Planning. In 2003 he became acting Dean of the Sage Evening College, and from 2003 to 2016 Dean of Community Articulation.

Dick volunteered and served on a variety of notable Presidential campaigns including Bobby Kennedy, George McGovern and Hillary Clinton. Dick became active in the local Democratic Party races in the 1980s and in 1995 he became City Chairman of the Schenectady Democratic Committee which he chaired for many years. Beyond his professional and political life, Dick was also deeply involved in the local chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Dick loved the Capital District area, especially the annual family trips to “High Point,” a cherished Adirondack Lodge near Bolton Landing on Lake George. He also enjoyed spending time together with his sister Pat and her family on Keuka Lake where they spent many early days. He also loved to ski, garden and the Buffalo Bills.

Dicks legacy is one of service, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the countless lives he touched through education, politics and community service. In the recent words of a Sage Colleague, “He was a good one.”

Many thanks to the Kingsway community for all their help with companion care and skilled nursing care for Dick during the last few years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cornell’s in Little Italy in Schenectady from 3:00 to 5:00PM on Saturday Nov 1, 2025.