Gedney, Richard H.

Description

Richard H. Gedney was born on February 12, 1917, in Rye, New York, to Emma May Weeks, age 34, and John C Gedney, age 38. He had four brothers and three sisters and were descendants of the Gedney family that settled in Westchester in 1697, just 14 years after the formal establishment of the county. In Rye his family lived at 209 Oakland Beach Ave and were members of the Presbyterian Church.

A 1935 graduate of Rye High School, he was known affectionately as “Foot” at school, where he starred in football. Richard had a conspicuous record as a football player and later starred on independent teams. He was employed at R. B. & W. Bolt and Nut Co. before entering the service.

Richard enlisted June 17, 1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He trained at Camp Meade, MD, and Camp Kilmer, N. Y. , before being sent to England. Richard was in one of the first American Infantry units to invade North Africa. He was captured in the early fighting in North Africa at the Battle of Kasserine Pass.

The battle was the first major engagement between U.S. and Axis forces in Africa. The initial handful of American battalions suffered many casualties and were successively pushed back over 50 miles. Richard would remain a prisoner of war in Germany for 2┬╜ years. Word from the Red Cross about his release was received by his mother on Mother’s Day in May of 1945.

Richard and other prisoners were first flown to Paris and then on to the United States arriving in late May 1945. He would receive his honorable discharge October 17, 1945

He married Sarah Caroline Abrams on September 8, 1946, in New Rochelle, New York. They had five children during their marriage.

Richard was a self-employed painter and decorator for many years. He was a volunteer fire fighter with the Milton Point Hose Co. in Rye and was active in various’ sports, including softball, golf and bowling.

Richard Horton Gedney Rye painter and decorator and a member of one of the oldest families in Westchester County died Wednesday January 26, 1983 at United Hospital in Port Chester at the age of 65. He was predeceased by three of his brothers Howard, Charles and John.

At the time of his death he was survived by his wife the former Sarah Abrams, two sons Richard H Jr of White Plains and Rex of State College Pa, two daughters Devon Gedney and Allison Gedney both of Rye, one brother Robert of Shushan NY, three sisters Mary Babbitt of Rye, Helen Martin of Seminole Fla and Muriel Gooseth of Rockledge Fla, two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.