Richard F. Epps, 89, of Lockport, New York, passed away on May 13, 2026, after a long illness. He most recently resided at St. John's Home in Rochester, NY, to be closer to family and his wife of 67 years, Carolyn, who also resides there.

He was born on August 17, 1936, to Reginald and Ruth Beebe Epps.  Richard joined the National Guard before college and was honorably discharged after four years of service.  He attended Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a teaching degree. He spent his entire career as a Social Studies and Driver Education teacher in the Tonawanda, NY School District.

He married the former Carolyn Tomaino on November 21, 1959.  Richard and Carolyn enjoyed entertaining many friends and family, as well as traveling to Mexico, Alaska, Ireland, Italy, Aruba, Hawaii, and many places throughout the United States. Over the years they owned a camper, trailer, and modified van. They also operated a boat and traveled through the locks on the Erie and Welland Canals, and later enjoyed taking cruises to the Caribbean.

Richard was predeceased by his son, Christopher. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Cynthia Minunni (Mark); grandson, Nicholas Minunni (Pauline); granddaughter, Megan Omiccioli (Matt); and great-granddaughter, Anna Minunni.

Services will be held at a later date for immediate family.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care, 330 Monroe Ave, Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607, Attn: Elizabeth Kulp.