Born in Rome, NY as Duane Edward Parsons, unknown parents, taken in with his sister by Beatrix and Edward Bright, foster parents. Then Duane was adopted by Beatrix and Edward Bright on November 13, 1954, changing his name to Richard Douglas Bright. It is unknown where his sister went.

Richard, also known as Dick, did many jobs. He was a toy salesman, car salesman, truck driver, snowplow driver, and snow removal, bartender, mechanic and machinist in different departments at New York Air Brake for years. The best thing he liked was working on steam parts for trains at Air Brake.

Richard loved steam trains, teddy bears, horses, his wife and children, and helping others.

Funeral will be private due to COVID. He will be buried at Jerusalem Cemetery in Canton, NY. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Richard is survived by wife, Malinda Simmons Bright; four children: Christopher and Sara (children Shia and Chloe Bright); MandyBeth (children Micah and Malici Bright); AmberBeth and Dustin (children Ceyonna and Akeira Harmer); Robert (children Haiden and Karson Bright).

Richard was predeceased by adopted mother, Beatrix W. Bright, and father, Edward H. Bright.

Donations can be sent to wife Malinda Bright at 45 Beckwith Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 for medical and funeral expenses.