Monday, October 12, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON -- Richard A. Metcalf, 85, of Canton, died peacefully in the company of family on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital where he had been a patient for a brief time.
Richard was born March 24, 1941, in Schenectady, New York, a son of the late George and Erma (Kimmey) Metcalf.
Richard graduated from Liverpool High School and received his undergraduate and master's degree from St. Lawrence University. While attending St. Lawrence, Richard met his beloved Katherine F. Lyons, who he later married in Scarsdale, New York.
The couple lived in Morgantown, West Virginia while Richard taught sociology courses and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of West Virginia prior to settling in and making Canton home.
During his tenure at St. Lawrence, Richard taught in and was the chair of the Sport and Leisure Studies department. He coached several sports, worked in admissions, was an academic advisor, and served on numerous committees.
Richard was an avid hunter and golfer and loved to read. He was a member of both the Liverpool High School and St. Lawrence University Athletic Halls of Fame, the latter into which he was inducted concurrently with his brother.
He enjoyed keeping track of his grandchildren’s activities and whereabouts. As their Papa, Richard played the harmonica, made homemade ice cream, filleted fish, sang songs around the campfire, and enthusiastically attended athletic contests and arts performances.
Richard is survived by his children, Cara (Kenneth) Polk and Matthew (Meg) Metcalf, grandchildren Mitchell, Jordan and Leah Polk, and Abigail, Katharine and Elizabeth Metcalf, and a brother, Gerald (Lonnie) Metcalf.
In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his beloved Katherine Metcalf on August 29, 2024, and by a sister, Judith Frazier.
Contributions may be made to St. Lawrence University in memory of Richard Metcalf, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617 or online at www.STLAWU.edu; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate; or, to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 4777; New York, NY 10163 or online at www.give.michaeljfox.org.
A Celebration of Life for both Richard and Katherine will be held at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Richard’s memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements for Richard A. Metcalf are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.
