QUEENSBURY – Richard Bossert, 78, a wonderful kind man known as a true Giving Tree, passed away Friday, February 13, 2015, with his loving family by his side.

Richard was born January 25th, 1937, in The Bronx, NY, to the late Walter and Christina (Gerlach) Bossert.

After graduating from Christopher Columbus High School, Richard went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University, a Master of Science in the same field from Polytechnic Institute of NYU Brooklyn, and a PhD in Public Administration from SUNY at Albany. Richard served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1962, when he was honorably discharged.

Richard married the love of his life, Paula Svaasand, in 1960 at St. John's Lutheran Church of New Utrecht in Brooklyn, NY. Together they cared for their two beautiful daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth.

Richard spent much of his time advocating for others, especially for those with developmental disabilities. He served on multiple boards at special needs facilities, both public and private. His emphasis was on vocational training for residents to integrate them and facilitate their valuable contributions to their respective communities and families. Richard and Paula together also provided foster care, education and behavioral example to troubled youngsters. At the time of his passing, Richard was an active member of the Sunmount DDSO of Tupper Lake, NY and a member in good standing of the American Legion.

Richard's professional life began as an engineer for the Long Island Lighting Company for a number of years, after which he served as Senior Analyst for the New York State Consumer Protection Board for two decades, much in keeping with his inclination to advocate for others.

Richard was a true Renaissance Man in his enjoyment of and participation in art, music, theatre, and history, as an active member of the Johnsburg Historical Society. He was a true Adirondack nature lover and enjoyed hiking, chopping wood and utilizing his considerable skills in repairing complex devices.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving family; his wife Paula Bossert of Queensbury, his daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Carey Ahner and their children Olivia and Cordelia, his daughter Rebecca of Saratoga Springs, his brother Walter of Lincoln, Massachusetts and family, and his beloved dog Shana.

A memorial service will take place Thursday February 19th, 2015 at 3pm at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY, with the Rev. Dick Engert, Chaplin of High Peaks Hospice officiating.

In loving memory of Richard, donations may be sent to AIM Services, Inc., 4227 NYS Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Saratoga Bridges, 292 County Rte 21, Middle Grove, NY, 12850.

The family wishes to send sincere thanks to the members of High Peaks Hospice and the staff at Glens Falls Hospital for their love, care and support during Richard's final days.

Condolences and floral bouquets may be sent directly to the funeral home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com