Obituary of Richard Hare

HARE - Richard "Rich" 83, passed away on June 18th after a prolonged illness. He was born in Brooklyn, NY but later moved to Kearny, NJ, where he met his future wife, Florence Rogers. He attended Rutgers University on a full academic scholarship, lettered in lacrosse and football, and was the President of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After earning his BS in Civil Engineering, Rich attended Fairleigh Dickinson, where he received his MBA. Rich started his career at Public Service Electric & Gas, then Vice President of Stone and Webster Management Consultants Inc. on Wall St., NYC. Rich's final career move was to National Fuel Gas, Buffalo, where he eventually earned the title of President of National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation after a series of promotions. He was active in numerous industry leadership organizations and was universally recognized in all his endeavors. Rich's friend and colleague, Randy Powell, Executive Vice President of British Columbia Gas, states, "Rich's greatest accomplishment was as the lead consultant and responsible officer in the reorganization of several operating companies reporting to the parent energy company." The process involved a multiple discipline, multiyear project that required various approvals, including shareholders, unions, state and federal regulatory bodies. The results created one of Buffalo's preeminent employers, National Fuel Gas. During his time at National Fuel Gas, Rich was active in many charitable organizations and was a member of the first class of Leadership Buffalo along with Mayor Byron Brown. Behind his business and personal accomplishments was a man of indefatigable work ethic, kindness to others, generosity, humor, and storytelling. Rich retired in 2000 to spend more time with his growing family and friends in Orchard Park, NY, and spent his summers in Manasquan, NJ. Flo and Rich raised three daughters and eight grandchildren during their 62 years of marriage. He is survived by Florence as well as Deborah Lenahan (Michael), Diana Fields (David), and Nancy Hartung (Matthew). Rich enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren, Michael and Sarah Lenahan, David, Evan, and Caroline Fields, Alexandra, Bryce, and Hannah Hartung. Rich was active his whole life. He was a tennis club member for years until he focused on golf and became a member of the Orchard Park Country Club, East Aurora Country Club, and the Manasquan River Country Club. He was an active member of the Buffalo Club as well. In addition, Rich taught his daughters to love to ski at the former Sitzmarker Ski Club, which is now a part of Buffalo Ski Club. A private memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Fall at his NJ residence on the Shore, having a special, lifelong place in his heart. The family asks that donations can be made in Rich's name to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western New York.