Obituary of Richard Fiset

Loudonville - Richard Charles (Dick) Fiset died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2014, after a three year battle with cancer. Born April 15, 1928 in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of Louis A. and Ophelia Oliver Fiset. Dick graduated from St. Mary High School in Amsterdam and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon completing his tour of duty he enrolled at St. Michael's College, Burlington VT. During his sophomore year he was recalled to the Marine Corps for the Korean War. He returned to St. Michael's and graduated with a B.S. Accounting. In 1954, he received a direct commission to the U.S. Air Force Advanced Jet Fighter Program. In 1956, he was assigned to the fighter wing of the 109th Tactical Airlift Group in Schenectady, NY and he also joined the training program at the State Bank of Albany. He gave his time as a weekend warrior performing duties as a command pilot while also working at the bank. In 1961, he was recalled to active duty again for one year during the Cuban missile crisis. After a successful banking career, he retired in 1988 as Senior Executive Vice President in charge of the Government Relations Department at Norstar Bancorp. He was proud to have had two very rewarding careers; 24 years military service and 30 years with the bank. Dick was also a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University, and the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. Dick was active in the community. He was a former President of the Northeastern NY chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and former assistant Treasurer of Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and a founding board member of the newly formed Cerebral Palsy Center for the Disabled (now The Center). He remained an active member of the Schuyler Meadows Country Club, a former member of the University Club (Albany, NY) and the Upper Fifteen flying club (Albany Airport). Dick is survived by his beloved wife, K. Ann Depew Fiset; and three sons, Dr. Richard Eugene Fiset (Margaret) of Birdsboro, PA, Peter Depew Fiset of Loudonville, NY and David Paul Fiset (Wasanu) of Laguna Nigel, CA. He is also survived by three cherished grandchildren, Richard, Paul and Grace Fiset; and several nieces and nephews. Dick's sister, Jeanne Fiset Bennison (Charles), passed May 31, 2014, the day before Dick's passing. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Paul Fiset (Tuscalusa, AL) and LT. Louis Fiset, a B-24 pilot killed in World War II. Dick loved all airplanes and flew many. He had the thrill of F-86 Saber jets and breaking the sound barrier. He was the command pilot of C-97 cargo planes and flew around the world for the U.S. Air National Guard. He loved to fly Cessnas for friends and family on vacations and golf outings, and even just for fun. He was happy to pass on his love of planes to his sons who became private pilots. He loved to tell stories and had many to share. Dick loved music, he was a great father, a good friend, a nice guy, and a gifted pilot, who was always looking toward the sky, and now he soars on eagle's wings. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, NY on Friday, June 6, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. There will be no calling hours. Dick will be buried with military honors at the B.H. Soloman National Cemetery in Saratoga, NY. The family wishes to thank Dr. Garbo and staff at NYOH, Mike Sheely of the Visiting Nurse Association, and also the staff at the Hospice Inn, at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY. Those wishing to remember Dick may do so with a donation to the Community Hospice, 315 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.