Richard Piper, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, went home to be with his Lord, the center of his life, on March 28th, 2012. At the end of his courageously- fought battle against cancer, he died peacefully as he was surrounded by his loving family. Richard, who was “the rock” to all who knew him, lived every day of his life with one purpose; to know Christ. In fulfilling that purpose, Richard’s courage, strength, passion, selflessness, and uncompromising spirit not only showed those around him who Christ was, but helped them to know Christ as well. His incredibly insightful wisdom was often revealed through his remarkable sense of humor. Ironically, as he lovingly blessed countless lives around him, he would describe his own life with that simple and singular word; blessed. While Richard will be painfully missed, we know that his memory will strengthen and help enable all who knew him to share in his purpose and carry on with his work. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Reed) Piper; sons, Michael & Jaclyn, David & Nikole and Kevin & Ashley; daughters, Vickie and Lynn; brothers, Larry & Sue, Jim & Carol and Frank; sisters, Debbie & Bart Kinner, Donna & Michael Murphy; along with several loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Monday, April 2, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services honoring his life will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in the New Beginings Church 300 East Miller Street Elmira at 11:00 AM. with Reverend John Kramer to celebrate Richard's service. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery Elmira. Richard's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com