Obituary of Richard J. Wert, Jr.

Richard “Rick” Wert, 72, of Amsterdam, NY, passed away suddenly on January 11, 2022. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was born November 19, 1949, to the late Richard Wert and Helen Lomini-Wert. After graduating from Amsterdam High School in 1967, Rick attended Siena College where he received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1972. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda “Lynne” Wert, and moved to Hopatcong, NJ, where Rick took a job with Warner Publications. Together, Rick and Lynne had 3 children: Traci, Jason, and Evan.

In 1987, Rick and the family returned to Rotterdam, NY to take over the family business, the Main Florist, which he owned and operated until its closing in 2001. He went on to become the Regional Vice President for CBK Ltd. and was the Regional Sales Manager of the Year in 2002. In 2007, Rick took a position as a sales associate with Raymour & Flanigan where he was known as “dad” on the sales floor and received many accolades for his high performance and exceeding sales goals.

Rick was a longtime member of the Rotterdam Kiwanis, Kiwanian of the Year from 1990-1991, and President from 1999-2000. He was an avid reader, golfer, and a lifelong Cowboys fan. He loved vacationing with his wife in Cape Cod where they originally honeymooned. And he cherished his time with her and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and charm, Rick could hold a conversation with anyone. He was a dear friend to many and the world will be a little duller without his teasing jokes, his wildly entertaining stories, and his jovial laugh. Throughout his lifetime, he taught us the importance of a strong work ethic and perseverance, the strength of unity and family, and to always remember to count our blessings and keep our faith.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring wife of almost 50 years, Lynne Wert; his dear sister, Pam (Jack) Hotaling; his beloved children, Traci (Robert) Sarabia, Jason Wert, and Evan (Sonja) Wert; his treasured grandchildren, Kylie Wert (John Broadus), Lucas Sarabia, Mason Sarabia, Jadon Wert, Kamdon Wert, Julianna Wert, Sloan Wert, Talos Wert, and Jaxon Wert; his precious great-grandson, Sullivan Broadus; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 2p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis officiating.  Private burial will take place in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service Friday, beginning at 12p.m. at the funeral home.  Masks are required. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross www.redcross.org