Richard A. Hough, III

Richard A, Hough, III, age 54, passed away Thursday November 14, 2024 at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital after a five year battle with cancer. 

Richard was born the son of Richard A. Hough, Jr. and Theressa Alice Senkbeil at the Moses Luddington Hospital in Ticonderoga NY on April 25, 1970. He married Helena Burnah on June 26, 1996 at the Church of the Nazene in Vermontville. 

Richard was the youngest of seven children and fondly called Snerd by his closest friends and family. He lived in Morian NY for the first 4 years of his life then moved to Tri-lakes area where he became a well-known face, a truly beloved husband, father, brother friend and role model to the many people who knew him. 

Richard graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1988. He began his career with Aubuchon Hardware in Saranac Lake in 1989. He was the paint manager for many years and known as “Mr. Paint” because of his eye for and ability to match any color. Over his career with Aubuchon he was promoted to assistant manager and eventually store manager, managing three stores, Malone, Lake Placid and ultimately ending up in Saranac Lake, where he interacted with many people. Rich retired in 2023 following the devastating fire, where he will always be remembered as a hero for rescuing the stores beloved cats Harry and Lloyd.

Though he was not their biological father, he embraced his two step sons, Joshua and Brandon Euber as his own, offering them unwavering support, guidance and affection throughout his life. He was a constant strength, providing a loving home, and teaching them values of kindness, hard work and resilience. His impact on their lives was immeasurable, and his legacy of love will forever be cherished by those he held dear. 

Richard was the epitome of strength in the face of adversity, whose love and dedication knew no bounds. He was inspiring to all those like him who struggled with serious illness and shined bright in the face of adversity. He had a sense of humor that matched no other. Rich, as many know him, was an avid lover of cars and trucks. He also enjoyed music and had a great fondness for Kermit the Frog.

Richard is predeceased by his parents and two sisters Victoria Hough and Kim Decker. 

He is survived by his wife Helena, his daughter Cazz, and two stepsons Joshua and Brandon Euber. He is also survived by his sisters Lisa (Tom) Yakalis and Glenna (Joe) Whittemore and his brothers Darrell and Thomas Hough and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to list.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for, prayed for, sent gifts and loved Richard. 

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral home in Saranac Lake. Per his request there will be no calling hours or services. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, in his name, in hope of a cure. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.