Richard Robert Bestenheider, 73, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away in his sleep on March 23, 2023 after a battle with cancer. He was born in Callicoon, NY to Charles and Clara (Froehlich) Bestenheider on September 22, 1949, and lived in Roscoe, NY, the youngest of four brothers. In his youth, he was an athlete and enjoyed a variety of sports, playing on his high school's football, track, and basketball teams. Later in life he participated in competitive table tennis tournaments. However, Richard's real passion and lifelong interest was golf, at which he excelled. He graduated from Roscoe Central High School in 1967 and earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from Sullivan County Community College in 1973. Richard served honorably in the Army from 1967 to 1970 as Army Specialist Four in the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. He is survived by his brother Timothy Bestenheider (Mary) Kings Park, NY; lifelong friend, Joe Bowers, Pueblo, CO; and caring friend Loraine Gilbreath, Phoenix, AZ. He is predeceased by two brothers, Francis (Anna) Walden, NY and Raymond (Cynthia) Kings Park, NY. In addition he is survived by two nieces, five nephews, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. Richard's final resting place will be the Long Island National Cemetery in Pinelawn, NY.