Richard Henry Cody

Richard Henry Cody, 83, a resident of Green Mountain Road in Manchester Center, VT, passed away January 5, 2026 at his home with his wife, Patti, by his side. Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 6, 1942 the son of the late Richard and Catherine (Schank) Cody. After the age of 8 his family moved to Long Island, NY where he spent his later years growing up. Rich started working as soon as he could, in his early teens to help pay expenses for his family. He always worked two or three jobs at a time, never taking a break. He was always looking out for the other person. He seemed harsh, sometimes on the surface, but he had a heart of gold, always, quietly, helping family and friends behind the scenes and never wanting any recognition. Rich worked as a firefighter, (Rescue 1 and Ladder 44) in New York City for 25 years. After retirement he went back to NYC to assist at Ground Zero (9/11/2001). In his earlier adult years he liked to run and bike. Rich loved hiking and enjoyed travelling with his wife Patti. He loved to tell stories with anyone who was willing to listen. He enjoyed "oldies" and easy listening music, was an avid reader and was often seen doing the " jumble" and crossword puzzles from the newspaper which he read every day. He and Patti enjoyed going out to dinner, going to the movies, and spending time together, and with family and friends. Sometimes, just having a pizza in the family room with a glass of wine, they would say, this is what life is all about. It was the simple things that meant the most, and he made the most of all those special moments. Rich was an avid skier, and during ski season was out every Wednesday for the Innkeepers Races at Bromley Mountain. When Rich met Patti, he wasn't into gardening, but when they married he learned how to take care of a garden because that was important to her. Most of all he enjoyed his home and cherished times spent with family. The last few years were especially hard on Rich because he was always a doer, and he physically wasn't able to do the things he knew how to do whether it was working outside, tinkering or fixing things around the house. Rich is survived by his wife Patricia (Patti Davis) Cody of Manchester, Children , Shawn Cody (Bridget) of Rockville Center, NY, Carolyn Brown (Kipper) of Arlington, VT and Jonathan Moyer (Jaclyn) of Amherst, NY, Sisters, Kit Cody and Patricia Cody, and also his seven grandchildren, Shane Kerry and Tara Cody, Kaitlyn and Linsey Cody, and Landyn and Dania Lavallee. He was preceded in death by his son Brendan Cody and two brothers Pierce and Jim. A celebration of life for Richard will be held Saturday January 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Federated Church of East Arlington. An hour of visitation prior to the service (10:00 AM) will be held in Bailey Hall at the church. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Richard’s memory may be made to the Federated Church of East Arlington, Manchester Fire Department or VNA Hospice of the Southwest Region, c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05255.