Richard K. Heinonen

Penn Yan, NY June 22, 1939 – July 4, 2026 Age 87

Richard K. "Dick" Heinonen

Penn Yan: Richard K. "Dick" Heinonen, of Penn Yan, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, after a short stay at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, at the age of 87. Richard was born June 22, 1939, in Englewood, NJ, to the late Alfred A. and Miriam (Vuorhi) Heinonen. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1958. He went to work after high school at Penn Yan Boat Company, later taking a position at Taylor Wine Company in Hammondsport until his retirement.

Dick was very active in his community throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of the Penn Yan Volunteer Ambulance Corp for 33 years, volunteered at the Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan for 12 years, and drove the bus for the Penn Yan Manor. Dick was a loyal member and Paul Harris Fellow recipient of the Dundee Rotary Club, as well as a Lifetime member of the Penn Yan Moose Lodge and Penn Yan Elks Lodge. He shared his love of God with both the Dundee Baptist Church and the Penn Yan Baptist Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary A. (Jordan) Heinonen, at home; their two children, Eric Heinonen of Penn Yan and Liisa (Chris) Kirby of Barrington; sister Taimi Carnahan of Delmar, NY; brother Alex (Debra) Heinonen of Walworth, NY; sister-in-law Maxine Ballard of Ionia, NY; niece Taimi Heinonen; nephews Jeffrey Ballard, Bryan Carnahan, and Konrad Heinonen; and several great-nieces and nephews. He is missed by his beloved cats Connie and Kim.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 – 6:00 pm Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Dundee Baptist Church, 20 Seneca St, Dundee, NY, where a memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm, with Lay Pastor Lew Ann Giles and Rev. Rachel McGuire officiating. Further visitation and light refreshments will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a contribution in Dick's name to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan; the Penn Yan Volunteer Ambulance Corp, 353 Main St.; the Penn Yan Baptist Church, 224 Main St., Penn Yan, NY 14527; or the Dundee Baptist Church, 20 Seneca Street, Dundee, NY 14837.

The Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee, is honored to be entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.