Richard W. Harnish

Richard W. Harnish

1928-2022

Richard W. Harnish joined our heavenly Father on January 31, 2022. Born in St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania to Horatio and Dorothy (Nevel) Harnish. Richard was in the United States Air Force for 26 years and lived in many locations including Greenland, Florida, Bermuda and Hawaii to name a few. He was also a Police Officer in Nantucket, MA where he resided for a number of years before retiring to his favorite place in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

Richard was predeceased by the love of his life for 55 years, Marion (Plante), daughter Michele Harnish Toner and siblings LeRoy Harnish, Violet Thuer, Ronald Harnish and Merl Harnish. Richard was a loving family man and leaves to cherish his memory: son's James of Washington, Mark (Cheryl) of Florida, daughter Marnie (Lance) Gauthier of MA, brother Harry Harnish and sister Mildred Steele both of Pennsylvina as well as son in laws Francis Asselin of MA and Jeffrey Toner of South Carolina.  Richard had a hand in raising his 5 young grandchildren, Jamie (Carrie) Willoughby of Florida, Todd (Michelle) Asselin of New York, Monique (Anthony) Sherman of MA, Annette Harnish of Washington and Morgan Harnish Toner of South Carolina. He leaves 6 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Richard was a Master Mason of Mount Holyoke Masonic Lodge among many others in his travels. Richard loved the great outdoors, hunting, fishing and taking long hikes. He also loved horse back riding, including caring for his own horses; Pockets and Crystal as well as a variety of dogs and cats over the years. He was passionate about poetry, gardening, piloting his own planes and was a shrewd card player. Richard was a gentle soul that will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at the Atrium in Agawam for their love and compassion toward Richard. All services are private and burial will take place in the Adirondack Mountains at a later date.

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