Richard H. Bantin

October 7, 1933 – October 20, 2026

Richard H. Bantin, 93, of Salamanca, NY died Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026 at home following a long illness.

Born October 7, 1933 in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Alfred and Laura Drachslin Bantin. He was married August 18, 1956 in Salamanca to the former Helen Parsons, who survives.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1951.

Richard was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1953 – 1957, serving onboard the USS Ticonderoga with the helicopter search and rescue teams.

He had been a self-employed welder, owning and operating Southwestern Welding & Fabrication, the former Bantin’s Triumph motorcycle shop, and had worked at the former Salamanca Print Cutters and had been a technical service engineer with Borden’s in Randolph. He was also an acting agent for his wife in operating the Country Fair & Garden Center.

He was a member of the Masonic Temple, where he served as a Master, and was a member of the American Legion Post 181 in Randolph for over 50 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, square dancing, and was a caller with the Salamanca SeeSaws. He was very musical and will be remembered for playing his harmonica. Richard was mechanically inclined and could repair almost anything.

Surviving in addition to his wife are: two daughters, Linda Hanrahan, Canisus, NY, Holly (Matthew) Guenther, Great Valley, NY; a son, Alan (Debbie Sleviak) Bantin, Salamanca, NY; three granddaughters, Donna (Kevin) Prince, Allegany, NY, Ashley Bantin, Dunkirk, NY, Alexandra (Samuel) Stonerock, Hornell, NY; three grandsons, Michael (Sara) Hanrahan, MI, Timothy (Kathleen) Tolar, VA, Jeffrey (Corinne) Hanrahan, Cary, NC; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Bantin, and a nephew, Dana Bantin.

There will be no visitation.

Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.