Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE- Richard "Taioniokie" Powless, Turtle Clan, 72, of 50 Johnson Road, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Richard was born on June 5, 1951 in Syracuse, son of the late Richard Arnold and Eva (Jacobs) Powless. He attended school on the reservation and studied at college. He was a tool and die maker, and drove for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne until his retirement. He had also worked at Roundpoint Construction as a mechanic and dump truck driver.

Taioniokie loved race cars and working in the pits for Cook's Racing, Kyle Jacobs and many others. He enjoyed designing homes and properties for others.

Richard is survived by his sister Andrea Babbitt of Sumner County, TN.

Besides his parents Richard and Eva, Richard was also predeceased by his brother James Gray and his companion Rita Benedict and many nieces and nephews.

Friends called at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, Friday 11-2PM where a funeral service was held at 2PM.

Memorial donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Akwesasne Freedom School, 31 Village Rd, Akwesasne, NY 13655.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.