Richard Mayko

Richard David “Rick” Mayko, 61, died unexpectedly of natural causes July 26, 2021. After graduating SUNY ESF ranger school in Wanakena, New York in 1986 with a degree in Forest Resources, Rick stayed and worked in the Binghamton area until taking a position in 1991 as a South Dakota State Service Forester, working first in Watertown and then Sioux Falls. His 30 years in South Dakota were spent at a job he loved and enjoying a wide variety of hobbies. Rick loved to travel, fish and hike the Rocky Mountains. Gardening and dancing were his passions. He was the vice president of the DCDC dance club and taught country ballroom and line dancing. Rick gave classes for Community Education in Sioux Falls, teaching people about the local trees and their care. With Mary Houska, his longtime friend and dance partner, Rick was also able to show his talents making Mary’s house the focal point and the delight at Christmas for the residents of the nursing homes in her neighborhood. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Wanda Kasper Mayko and sister-in-law, JoAnn Van Wallendael Mayko. Rick is survived by his siblings, Jospeh Mayko, Robert and Adriane Mayko, Sandy Mayko and Gary Obialero and many cousins. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton with the Reverend Monsignor John Putano officiating. Interment will follow services in Saint Stanislaus RC Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30 am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Rick’s name may be made to Vines, 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 or the Nature Conservancy, a very effective program for conservation in all 50 states. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com.