Celebrate the life of Richard Max Straitiff Sr.

Richard Max Straitiff Sr.

December 3, 1945 to November 22, 2024

Following the loss of his beloved wife Anne in 2015, Richard (Dick) relocated to Fort Myers, Florida. There, he embraced a full and active life, often joining his brother Bob and a circle of friends for social gatherings. His children called him their "Senager" due to his enthusiasm for socializing and his active lifestyle.

In 2020, Dick found love again with Lynn. The couple shared a deep connection and enjoyed spending time together, whether it was dining out or embarking on cruises.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including cancer, COPD, and requiring hip and knee replacements, Dick remained remarkably resilient. He continued to prioritize his well-being, frequently visiting the gym, walking regularly, and adhering to a healthy diet.

Dick was known for his strong sense of routine and his remarkable memory. He could recall the names of waitstaff at numerous restaurants he frequented. His friendly and inquisitive nature made him easy to connect with and allowed him to build lasting friendships.

Father to three

to Sara, Stephen, and Richard Jr.

Grandfather to six

Shawn, Kyle, Max, Zeke, Blair, and Anna

Husband to Anne

Anne passed away in 2015

Recent Pictures

Older pictures

Marine Reserves

Bob, Ron, & Richard

Straitiff Family in 1993

Born in 1945 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York, Richard Straitiff—affectionately known as Dick—grew up in the city. The son of Dr. Max and Svea Straitiff, he spent many childhood summers in Honey Harbor, Canada, where he developed a love for water sports, learning to water ski and swim on the family's island cabin. This passion led him to join his high school swim team. Young Richard also enjoyed Lionel trains and became a collector.

After three years at Manlius military school, Dick graduated from Orchard Park High School and went on to Ohio Northern University with his brother, Bob. When the Vietnam War began, he joined the Marine Reserves but fortunately avoided deployment.

Dick embarked on a successful career in food service, starting at Flickinger Food Service, which later became Sysco. His exceptional sales skills earned him recognition as the top salesperson in the Buffalo area for many years, resulting in numerous awards, including vacations and even a car. His secret to success? Honesty, remembering customer names, and understanding their needs.

At the age of 30, Dick met Anne Webb, one of his clients. They quickly fell in love, marrying just three months after their engagement three months prior. Together, they built a home on Tinkertown Bay Road in 1976 and raised three children: Sara, Stephen, and Richard. Weekends were often spent boating, water skiing, and tubing on the lake, creating lasting family memories. In the basement he built a train table and shelves to hold his train sets.

After retiring from Sysco in 2004, Dick turned his attention to skeet shooting. He joined several teams and celebrated many first-place victories. Dick and Anne would become "Snowbirds" renting a house in Fort Myers, Florida to enjoy daily social gatherings with his brother Bob and a large gang of retirees that also migrated to Florida during the winter months.

Following Anne's passing in 2015, Dick relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, embracing a vibrant social life. He actively participated in lunches, dinners, and parties with his brother Bob and their retired friends. Despite facing health challenges, including cancer, COPD, and joint replacements, Dick remained committed to his wellness routine. He continued to hit the gym three times a week, walked regularly, and adhered to a low-carb diet. He had spent the past four years with his girlfriend, Lynne, going out to eat and enjoying cruises together.

Richard wrote this in 2007 after all the kids had gone to college