Richard James Midlam of Oneida, NY, age 78 passed away on December 9, 2025.

He was born on May 4, 1947 in Rome, New York, the son of the late Harold R. and Jane (Trembeth) Midlam.

He received his BA and MA in Education from SUNY Oneonta and Syracuse University respectively.

On August 24, 1974 Richard married Barbara Pellettier in Delmar, New York and shared that loving union until her death on March 27, 2009.

Richard's teaching career included three years with the Schenectady School District, teaching mathematics at Steinmetz Junior High and twenty-nine years with the Oneida School District, teaching 6th grade at Seneca and North Broad St. Schools and 2nd grad at Oneida Castle Elementary School.

His family spent a decade at Madison County Children's Camp Lookout where he developed and ran the nature and waterfront programs, while his wife, Barbara did the same for Arts and Crafts program.

He also coached AYSO soccer for various ages for several years and OMS girls' soccer for 12 years. Upon retirement from North Broad St. School, he went on to work for the Madison-Cortland ARC, finishing his career as Director of Family Support for Madison and Cortland Counties. He also spent many years helping residents living at the Maxwell House Recover from alcohol addictions.

He was a past president of the Oneida Kiwanis Club and was active with the founding committee for the Oneida City Youth Program. Richard was an avid wildlife wood carver, amateur nature photographer, and wrote several children's books with the help of artist and good friend, Susan E. LaRochelle.

Surviving are his two children and their spouses, Bryan (Julia) Midlam, Kara (Jason) Knott, his five beloved grandchildren, twins, Hudson, Hadley and Audrey, Midlam and Leo and Ruby Knott, one brother Donald (Jacquie) Midlam, five nieces, nephews, and nine great nieces and great-nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his wife Barbara, his parents, and a brother, Robert H. Midlam and sister-in-law, Joyce Wick Midlam.

 A Celebration of Richard’s life will held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oneida Community Mansion House, 170 Kenwood Ave., Oneida, NY, 13421. There will be a time to gather and a time to share remembrances. Attendees may be dropped off at the Mansion House but will need to park their vehicles at the Kenwood Community Properties (Old Oneida Limited Administrative Building) across the Street, 181 Kenwood Ave., Oneida, NY, 13421. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Madison County Children’s Camp, PO Box 753, Oneida, NY, 13421. Private spring burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com