Obituary of Richard D. Hardy

    Mr. Richard D. Hardy, 71, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Wynn Hospital with his beloved wife by his side.

    Richard was born in Malone, NY on February 13, 1954, the son of John and Elizabeth (Estabrook) Hardy. Blind from birth, he was educated at the Batavia School for the Blind in Batavia, NY.  On July 15, 1995, Richard was united in marriage with Gail P. Waelde, and the couple shared a loving and devoted union of almost 30 years.

     Richard was a man who was not defined by what he could not do, but by what was possible to do. He enjoyed reading his bible, praising Jesus in song, water-skiing, ice-skating, bowling and eating a meal at his favorite restaurant, the Castlewood Cafe. For many years, Richard was employed at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) in Utica. He was a board member of the Lions Club, past president at the former Christian League for the Handicap in Vernon, NY and a former member of the Church of the Nazarene. For the last 5 years, Richard was an active member of Utica City Church in Utica.  On any given Sunday you could come and see him wearing his headset to hear the music and sermon amplified, playing his tambourine on the Worship Team. He also led a men’s teaching group at church. Richard was extremely proud to have been a blood donor for the American Red Cross having donated over 30 gallons in his lifetime.

     Richard never had a bad word to say about anyone and will be remembered as a gentle man with a huge heart who was always able to find the good in everyone he met, with a scripture and word of encouragement.

    Mr. Hardy is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; two brothers, Thomas Hardy and John Hardy; half-brother, Steve Hardy as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne (Nan) Hardy and half-brother, Bob Hardy.

      Visitation for family and friends is Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Utica City Church, 932 Rutger St., Utica, followed by a celebration of life at 7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Those wishing to donate in Richard’s memory, please consider contributing to the Go-Fund-Me page that has been established in Gail’s name to help her with her medical costs and to provide Gail with a financial buffer as she – blind herself – transitions into this new season of life without her beloved Richard...

      The Title to Gail’s Go-fund-me page: “Assist Gail with Expenses After Richard's Loss”

      The link to Gail’s Go-fund-me page:  https://gofund.me/fb1cf5f5