Richard James Singleton

POWNAL – Richard James Singleton, 81, a resident of Middle Pownal Rd in Pownal, died peacefully Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Born in Glens Falls, NY on September 23, 1942, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Julia (Lynch) Singleton both of Glens Falls, NY. He graduated High School from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls, NY in 1960, received his bachelor's degree in education from Castleton State College (now Castleton University) in 1964, and finally his masters from North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts). Richard’s employment included Green Mountain Race Track in Pownal from 1964 to its closing in 1993, working positions ranging from pari-mutuel clerk through pari-mutuel manager. His first full-time teaching position was at the North Pownal School (now the location of the little league field) prior to school consolidation in Pownal. Upon consolidation he began teaching at Pownal Elementary School until his retirement after the 2008 school year, completing 44 years of service to the students of Pownal. His favorite activities included all sports, especially youth sports, community involvement, and sometimes even participation in local events where he shared his blueberries. After retiring from education he continued to volunteer in various ways including chaperoning the ski bus to Willard Mountain from Pownal Elementary. He routinely volunteered his time and energy to various people and entities in Southern Vermont. Those who knew him well are sure to have heard him say to himself, “But what do I know? Zip, nada, nothing.” Another of his famous phrases is, “In my own, personal, and humble opinion…” Preceding him in death are his first wife, Kathleen (Robare, Singleton) Wylde, and second wife Karen (Ziter, Moran) Singleton, and her brother Donald Ziter. His younger sister Mary-Lou (Singleton) Goss, younger brother Donald Singleton, and grand-nephew Jonathan Hendrix. Richard’s survivors include his older sister Theresa (Singleton) and her husband David LaPoint, his two sons (Todd and Tim Singleton) from his first marriage, four grandchildren (Joanna, Sean, Susanna, and Jackson Singleton), seven nieces, three nephews, numerous grand-nephews & nieces, and many more. Additionally, he is survived by members of Karen’s family to include brother-in-law Bruce Ziter, and sister-in-law Jackie (Ziter) Gigliotti, and their families, as well as Donald Ziter’s family. His funeral will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9am at Sts Patrick & Raphael Parish Church, 54 Southworth St, Williamstown, MA 01267. Please be early so as to not disturb the Funeral Mass. Following the mass, there will be a short graveside service at Southview Cemetery, 1042 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247. There are no viewing hours. Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter, 1779 Vermont Route 7A Arlington, VT 05250