Richard G. Mummey

Richard George Mummey

HORNELL – Richard George Mummey (Rick) trucked on to his next adventure on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following a five year battle with Corticobasal Degeneration – a rare neurological disease that slowly took his body and his mind, but not his amazing heart and kind spirit.

Born to his beloved mother, Freda Davidson Mummey, on Tuesday, March 15, 1949, Ricky (as she called him) was a curious and loving child who rose to overcome the trying and difficult years of his youth. He always joked that he was built for hard times.  Maybe that’s why he was always a Chevy man, he was ‘like a rock’.

Rick put as many miles as he could between himself and his birthplace of Ringtown, PA.  He lived for a time in Louisiana before settling in Avoca, NY.  He was a tow truck driver until he became an owner operator of a big rig.  We suspect that in the 54 years he was a truck driver, he logged millions of miles, which is such a unique accomplishment.  The road was his sanctuary, a combination of freedom and familiarity.

He possessed a poor man’s practicality, an uncanny sense of direction and had a knack for fixing anything with an engine.  One of his greatest labors of love was his old Chevy dump truck that he brought back to life in all its Frankenstein glory.

Rick loved mowing the lawn, gardening and cooking.  He was charismatic with the world’s best laugh – it was contagious and full of life and so much soul.  He was drawn to other “salt of the Earth” men like Sam Elliott, George Jones and Clint Eastwood.  In another life, he would have loved to have been a wayward cowboy in the Wild West.

Rick was a lover and collector of things:  plants, scrap, coins, movies and hearts.  He was sentimental and a master wordsmith who gave thoughtful cards, letters and advice or ‘Rick’isms’ as they came to be known.

He wasn’t loud or flashy despite his proclivity for cut off denim shorts, sans shirt in his skinnier days and dressy loafers became his staple shoe of choice, even while driving truck, when he got older.  He took many a tumble on ice in those shoes, but he loved them anyway.

Rick was a giver, whether he comfortably had it or not.  He was a steward champion for the underdog, for those who were forgotten by the world or down on their luck.  It was one of his most endearing qualities.  He chose to spread smiles and love.

He was a kind and good man up to the end.  He was a favorite of the staff and nurses at Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hornell, NY who took amazing care of him for the last two years.

We find solace in his reunion with his mother Freda, his beloved dog Jinger, and the friends and father figures he held dear:  Bill Rice, Jeff Harris, Tom Hensman, Jim Wheaton and Roger Rouse.

Rick is survived by: son, Richard Zellin and his mother, Debra Werner; his princess, Janelle (Nate) Koson; son, JP Mummey (Heather Bennett) who lovingly cared for him at their home until it was no longer an option; and his three grandsons:  Chase Mummey, Maverick and Jaxson Koson.  We graciously will carry on his wit, charm, love, bushy eyebrows and his big, beautiful eyes.

Even in death, he wanted to keep a low profile.  There will be no calling hours or funeral.  In lieu of that, we ask that you pay forward an act of kindness to someone in need.  If you wish to share a memory or conversation, please feel free to reach out to Janelle and/or JP on Facebook.  We welcome the chance to keep his memory alive.  

Richard – Ricky – Rick – The Rick – Papa – Polo – Dad – Papa Bear – Grandpa – Granba – call sign Tricky Dick, over and out.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA is honored to assist Richard’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Richard are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

 

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