Richard S. Haines

Richard S. Haines, 76, of Millbury, MA passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023 with his wife by his side, following a long illness. Rich was the most devoted father, husband, and friend. He was a man of deep strength, character, kindness, generosity, and was deeply loyal to those he loved. He was the guy that was always in your corner, the one you could always count on, the one that always believed in you. He was the life of the party, and boy, did he love a good party! Rich was born in Rhinebeck, NY on March 18, 1946, the son of W. Gilbert Haines and M. Mercian (Spaulding) Haines. As a child, he moved to Dundee, NY and to Phelps, NY his junior year of high school. He graduated from the College at Brockport, SUNY and would later receive his master's from University at Albany, SUNY. A proud veteran, he served 4 years in the Army Counterintelligence in Germany, receiving the Army Commendation Medal, as well as many other awards and accolades. He spent over 40 years as a registrar at North Shore Community College, retiring in 2008. An avid runner for over 30 years, he was a proud member of the Wingaersheek Runners and Merrimack Valley Striders. He loved hosting runs and gathering for races and marathons with his running buddies. He was famous for his pancakes, mashed potatoes, and was happiest entertaining family and friends at his home, always with a glass of chardonnay in hand. He was passionate about history, politics, Notre Dame football, Nascar, the Yankees, and could tell you the name and artist of every Doo Wop song ever made. With all his health challenges, his fighting spirit and humor never wavered. His ability to persevere through life's challenges and setbacks was something everyone admired about him. No matter what, he would always find a way to make you smile, even if he was the one having a bad day. His biggest dream was to meet his grandson, and he got 6 beautiful months with him. By all accounts, Rich had a rich life, but it was his heart, devotion and kindness that he gave so freely that leaves us all truly blessed to have known and loved him. He is predeceased by his son, Jonathan Haines and survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia (Gordon) Haines of Millbury, MA; his daughter, Meghan (Haines) Marinaccio and her husband, Michael Marinaccio of Portsmouth, NH; his sister, Nancy (Haines) Kadlecik and her husband, Michael Kadlecik of Binghamton, NY; his sister-in-law, Jean (Gordon) Shea of Millbury, MA; his beloved grandson, Michael John Marinaccio; and his nieces and nephews, Kim (Kadlecik) Guttman, Pastor Bob Kadlecik, Bradd Kadlecik and Dr. Katherine Shea. Cremation services are in the care of Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care of Worcester. Following cremation, a Celebration of Life in honor of Rich will be scheduled at a later date for his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that provides housing and financial aid to military and first responders. To learn more, visit www. t2t. com.