Obituary of Richard C. Southard

Richard C. Southard, well known in Niagara  and Erie  counties for his legal work and public service, died unexpectedly on November 26 at his home. 

Mr. Southard  served as counsel to the Town of Wilson for 15 years as well as Corporation Counsel for the City of Lockport for two administrations.  In addition to being Niagara County Attorney in the 1960’s Mr. Southard was special counsel to various municipalities over the years.

Mr. Southard served from 1979 to 1989 as a commissioner for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. He was active in the planning of the current rapid transit system .  During this time Mr. Southard  traveled extensively to review the operation of existing systems in Europe and the United States.   He continued to be a proponent of extending the light rail system to UB and the Buffalo Niagara Airport.

A 1954 graduate of Syracuse University,  Mr. Southard received his law degree from Cornell University in 1957.   He then served in the United States Air Force at Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands as Asst. Staff Judge Advocate attaining the rank of Captain. 

Active in Niagara County politics , Mr. Southard maintained a law practice in  Lockport, NY for many years.  Several young attorneys started their careers in his office.

Among the several positions Mr. Southard held he was especially proud of his work at the NFTA when he was involved in the advent of the rapid transit system.  With the Town of Wilson he was responsible for securing the Federal funding for the public water system.

A son, Dr. Eric Southard, described him as “a powerhouse of intellect and critical thinking and someone with enormous energy and drive”

His daughter , Laura Southard,  said “ Dad was a problem solver…no problem was too great or too small.”

Kind and generous to a fault, he had many friends from many walks of life.

The son of Donald G. and Lydia (Berlin) Southard, he grew up in Wilson, NY and professed a love of the Great Lakes.   He was a member of the New York Great Lakes Advisory Council since its inception in 1989.  Also, he was the President and co-founder of the Niagara-Orleans Shoreline Protection Association. 

Mr. Southard’s diverse interests included sailing, music, politics and anthropology.  He loved to read and discuss books with his family. 

He is survived by his wife Joanna (Coppola) Southard; children Stephen (Linda) Southard, Anthony J. Southard, Dr. Eric (Dr. Kathylynn Pietak) Southard, Laura(Kim Mathey) Southard, Nicholas (Amy) Southard; grandchildren Caitlin, Tara, Nicholas, Natalie (Marcus) Dempster, Thomas, Michael, Caroline, Andrew, and Kylie.

There will be no prior visitation.  Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Christ Episcopal Church,  7145 Fieldcrest Dr.  Lockport, NY 14094 or to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.