Richard R. Ference, 58, of Alpha, died Wednesday, July 30, 1997 in his home.

He was a labor foreman for the International Laborer's Union, Local 569, Lebanon, NJ. of which he was also a past president.

Born December 14, 1938, he was the son John S., Sr., and Mary T. Bilder Ference, of Phillipsburg.

He was of the Catholic faith.

He was a Private First Class in the Army National Guard of New Jersey from 1954 to 1960 then served two years in the Army Reserves.

He was a member of the Phillipsburg Lodge #052, Free and Accepted Masons, Phillipsburg and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Warren County Forest #14.

He was a social member of the Alpha Volunteer Fire Co, and was also an avid sportsman and hunter.

He and his wife, the former Barbara McCartney observed their thirtieth wedding anniversary on January 28.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by one daughter, Melissa of Easton; one brother John S., Jr., of Mesa, Arizona and one sister, Marie A. Regemann of Easton. A sister, Jeanette died in 1968.

Private cremation will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours or funeral services.

The family requests memorial contributions to the Karen Ann Quinlan Center of Hope Hospice, 99 Sparta Road, Newton, NJ 07860-2614.

The Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg is handling the funeral arrangements.