Obituary of Richard D. Telford

Richard D. Telford, 54, of Sinclairville, died Monday, September 23, 2024, in his home with his family by his side. He was born March 2, 1970, in Jamestown, a son of Jerrilyn Bull Telford and the late Charles Telford, Jr. Rich was a 1988 graduate of Jamestown High School and went on to earn an A.S. in Criminal Justice from Jamestown Community College. Additionally, he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, class 279. Most recently, Rich was the Undersheriff of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, where he had worked for more than thirty years. Throughout his career he served as Deputy, Sergeant Communications Division, Lieutenant Patrol, Lieutenant Courts, and Captain. He was also a member of the Fire Investigation team, where he was later promoted to Team Leader. Rich instructed at the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Academy, where he taught Ethics. He was also a member of the New York State Sheriffs Association. Rich was kind, caring, and engaging with children of all ages. He spent many years teaching the DARE Program in public schools, as well as volunteering his time reading to kids at the annual Roll 'n Read event in association with the Jamestown Community Learning Council (JCLC). Rich routinely provided tours of the Sheriff's office and county jail to local scouting organizations and high schools. Rich was a member of the Vikings Lodge IOV 65 and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. A huge Buffalo Bills fan, Rich was a season ticket holder for over 30 years and attended two of their Super Bowls in the 90s. He was also a passionate fan of the Buffalo Sabres, as well as local Major/Minor League Baseball. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia and trading cards. Anyone who has met Rich knows of his quick wit and great sense of humor, although at times not exactly appropriate. Rich always knew where to take family and friends on weekend excursions, whether a local restaurant, brewery, or live music. Surviving is his mother of Jamestown; his wife Amanda Pavlock Telford, whom he married December 29, 2018; two children Katelynn Telford of Fredonia and Andrew Telford of Buffalo; a stepson Alex Serrano of Sinclairville; and two brothers Robert Telford of San Francisco, CA and Ryan Telford of Norwich, CT. He was preceded in death by his father in 2022. Friends will be received from 10 am to noon Friday at the Bemus Point Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, where a reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, it was Rich's request to have memorial donations made to Jamestown Community Learning Council, PO Box 129, Jamestown, NY 14702. His wife, Amanda, would like to express the following: Rich was my person, my love. Together we built a life filled of laughter (and we all know THE laugh!), adventure, and overcame challenges that resulted in a love that grew stronger with time. I'll miss his physical presence every day, I know our love is eternal. It will carry me through until we meet again. Thank you for the memories, and of course, "Go Bills!"