Richard A. Brabant, 85, formerly of Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG -- Richard A. Brabant, 85, of Bunnell, FL passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday January 21, 2024.

He was born August 30, 1938 in Ogdenburg, NY to Clarence and Helen (nee Moore) Brabant.

A devoted and faithful husband, he married Joan Schneider on April 28, 1958. They were married until she passed in 1990. Richard and Jacqueline Sneed were married on September 14, 1991 and they spent 32 wonderful years together.

Richard started his career at Diamond National and St. Lawrence Seaway, before attending SUNY Canton and Potsdam State University, ultimately graduating with a degree in Psychology. He became psychiatric social worker for NYS, working at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Hospital, before retiring from Cape Vincent Correctional Facility as a pre-release counselor. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus.

An avid collector, Richard loved to attend auctions to collect all kinds of things- especially old or unique tools. In his younger years, he was a very talented artist creating caricatures of friends and family. Richard also did wood carvings of deer and elk- including one for the Elks club in Ogdensburg that still hangs there. His works were also displayed at the Remington Art Museum.

After retirement, Richard started a Farmer's Market in Ogdensburg, NY. While selling his fruits, vegetables and pies (made by his wife Jackie), he loved to sit and talk to his customers. Afterward, he would frequently write a letter to the Editor of the local Journal newspaper and report on all of his visitors.

Richard found a true calling and passion in singing old classic country music. Everyone said he sounded just like Johnny Cash. He and Jackie performed in many places while living in New York and Florida. They were known as "Echoes In Black".

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline (nee Sneed) Brabant; his son Richard (Chris) Brabant; daughter Mary (Robert) Andrews, and daughter Barbara Brabant. He also has four living siblings: Robert Brabant, Dean (Roseanne Jones) Hilborne, Gloria (Roy) Bice, and Doreen(Rick) Shattuck; as well as 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed dearly by countless family and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents Clarence and Helen; his first wife Joan (Schneider) Brabant; his son Kenneth Brabant, his sister Diana (Clyde) Solomon, and his brother Kenneth Hilborne.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date in New York and will be announced accordingly. Please check back for more details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Richard’s honor to Alzheimer’s Research, Hospice, or the Humane Society.

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL assisted the family with arrangements. www.HeritageFlagler.com.