Ricky R. Dearstyne

Ricky R. Dearstyne, 72, of Middletown Road in Waterford, passed away on March 11, 2026, at St. Peter’s Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Cohoes to the late Richard and Shirley Gilbert Dearstyne, he graduated from Waterford-Halfmoon High School in 1971 and went on to earn a master’s degree from Russell Sage College after attending HVCC. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Ricky spent his career in the paper manufacturing industry. He worked for Albany International at their Menands and East Greenbush locations, followed by three years at the company’s facility in China. He later joined AstenJohnson in Suzhou, China, before becoming a self-employed contractor, traveling extensively throughout Asia.

Ricky cherished time with his family and friends, particularly hosting Thanksgiving gatherings each year. He enjoyed traveling, golf, football, and baseball, remaining a loyal New York Giants and Yankees fan. He and his wife especially treasured the time they spent together at their home in Murrell’s Inlet.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, M. Patricia Dearstyne; his children, Danielle Starr (John) of Mechanicville and Tyler Dearstyne (Katie) of Waterford; his stepchildren, Joseph Bilinski of Schuylerville and J. Adam Bilinski (Celina) of Waterford; his sisters, Maureen Noonan of Halfmoon, Lisa Burniche of Waterford, and Gina Segarra (Rick) of Rexford; and his beloved grandchildren, Sawyer, Savannah, and Anderson Starr, Charlotte and Greyson Dearstyne, Connor, Lauren, Maddox, and Gavin Bilinski, and Landon Bova. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.