Saul (Richard) Elliott, 76, of Samsonville

Saul (Richard) Elliott died at his home in Samsonville, N.Y., on April 5, 2018.

Saul, a long-time resident of the town of Olive, is survived by his son, David Elliott and his grandson, Cyrus Elliott; his sisters, Roberta (Sr. Denise) Elliott, Mary Lou Elliott; his brother, Mark Elliott; and his ex-wife, Consuela Ernst.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William Elliott; his parents, William and Frances Elliott; and his beloved beagles, Lady, Star, and just recently 18 year old Ruby.

Saul was born in Jamaica Long Island, N.Y., on Oct. 8 1941. The family eventually settled in Scranton Pennsylvania where Saul joined the Passionist Seminary, earning a degree in Philosophy. Saul left the seminary in 1966 and married Consuela Rodriguez.

After Seminary Saul was employed in social services, using his bi-lingual skills in counselling at-risk-youth in Kingston,, N.Y., and Jersey City, N.J.

In 1975, he moved to the Samsonville area working as a stone mason and carpenter, eventually employed at the Olive Transfer Center, where his true gifts as a compassionate friend flourished

Saul’s true work was exploring life as a true artist and poet and taking care of the spiritual needs of his community, bringing his love of all beings and the natural universe into all he did. His hero was Walt Whitman and Saul followed in his footsteps.

Saul’s infectious joyous laughter will be missed by all those privileged to know and love him.

There will be a memorial Potluck Celebration of his magical life on April 21, 2018 at 4:20 p.m. at Davis Park, West Shokan, N.Y. Bring a dish to share, something to drink, a story, and a smile.