Richard “Dick” Wasserstrom, 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Delhi on March 1, 2025.
Born on February 23, 1942 in Brooklyn, Dick lived a life full of dedication, hard work, and humor. He met the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Wasserstrom, while attending the University of New Hampshire, and together they shared 60 years of marriage.
Dick and Becky built a life in Delhi, where they purchased their first dairy farm and ran it as a family until 1988. After leaving farming, Dick found his true calling as a water and sewage pump mechanic, working for Blake Equipment and JB Line Cleaning and Plumbing Service. Known for his reliability, he was always the man to call — day or night — earning the nickname “Pump Man to the Stars” because no matter where he went, he always seemed to run into someone he knew. Dedicated to his work, he continued his career until officially retiring at the age of 80.
Dick had a deep love for the New York Mets, classic American westerns, and, most of all, his family. There was nothing he loved more than watching his family doing something they love. Whether he was sitting at the top of the bleachers for Jenn’s Oneonta State softball games, the granddaughters’ basketball and volleyball games, or standing front and center on the sidelines of his grandsons’ football, lacrosse and wrestling matches, or sitting front row and center at every dance recital, he was always cheering for his family. Many friends and strangers witnessed his passion especially when telling the referees, coaches, and sometimes the kids where to remove their heads if things weren’t going well. Of course, in his mind, his offspring could do no wrong, and he was never shy when bragging about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. With a million sayings, an infectious laugh, and an endless supply of pump stories, he brought humor and warmth (and sometimes offense) to everyone around him.
Although he didn’t often speak about his time in Vietnam, it was a significant chapter in his life. In 2022, he visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he was finally able to pay his respects to his fellow platoon members.
Dick was not known for his great driving skills — even though he somehow managed to teach all four daughters to drive. The roads will definitely be a bit safer now.
Perhaps the best representation of Dick’s life could be found in his hands. Worn from decades of work, marked by the loss of fingers, they symbolized his determination, strength, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to providing for his family.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Becky (aka Grammy) and their four daughters: Simone Tucker (husband James, daughters Sadie and Izabella), Vicky Carson (husband Steven, children Timothy, Emily — her two children Adrian and Ellianna — Seth, and Abagail), Jennifer Doty (husband Jay, daughter Jalena), and Heidi Feinberg (husband Andy, sons Bennett and Jonathan). His legacy lives on through them and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or a local veterans charity of your choice in his memory.
Visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Dick’s family.
