Richard D. Haines, a resident of Fishkill since 1998, formerly of Skaneateles and Mahopac, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. He was 92.
Son of the late Frederick B. and Helen (Doncaster) Haines, he was born in Ashville, NC on November 6, 1929. In 1947, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Musician Second Class during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from service in 1952.
He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New York University, where he studied music education. Richard dedicated his career to teaching music and retired from Lakeland Schools in Westchester County, where he was employed for 26 years.
In addition to his passion for music, he also enjoyed reading and poetry.
He is survived by his wife, Lesia (Gibba) Haines, at home in Fishkill; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard W. and Mary Haines; in addition to other relatives and friends.
Richard was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Haines, as well as his brother, Frank Haines.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lakeland Education Foundation, P.O. Box 132, Shrub Oak, NY 10588.
For online tributes, you can visit Richard’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.