Richard J. Haldeman, Jr.

Wynantskill - Richard James Haldeman, Jr. 81 of Wynantskill died peacefully on September 13, 2024, in the tremendous care of the Van Rensselaer Manor nursing staff. Rich was the son of the late Richard J. Haldeman, Sr., and Mary (“May”) Stevens Haldeman. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marianne (Walsh) Haldeman, their eight children and their partners: Kristin (Jason), Kaaren (Gavin) of NC, Rik (Dan Fitzgerald) of Albany, Lauren (Tony Weaver) of NC, Katrin Haldeman of Troy, Elizabeth (Ron Epstein) of Troy, Edward (Gabriella) of Glenville and James (Jane Sonton) of Latham; fifteen grandchildren, Gavin (Christina), Jack, Max, Egan, Annelise, Jameson, Charlotte, Reese, Amelia, Abby, Meegan, Alex, Gretta, Avery, Matthew; and two great-grandchildren Remi and Rosalina. He is also survived by his sister, Susan, and her family - son David (Tina) and daughter Johanna (Dave), and their children; as well as nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Rich graduated from Sacred Heart School in Troy and Catholic Central High School class of ‘60. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Upon his discharge from the military, he was employed by Behr Manning and the Troy Post Office. In 1969, he began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Albany Airport as Flight Service Specialist and retired 30 years later as Tower Manager. After his retirement, Rich served his community as an ombudsman for the New York State Dept.
of Aging.

A staunch Red Sox fan, Rich loved baseball and played the game in high school. Over the years, he also coached countless youngsters in the South Troy & Spring Little Leagues - always teaching the love of the game over winning. Some teams had a winning record; some did not - but he made sure all his players had fun.

Rich loved scouting. As a teen, his scout troop traveled to New Mexico. As an adult, he was a Cub Scout and Webelo Leader.

A devout Catholic, Rich was a lifetime parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, NY where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, member of the Altar Rosary Society, Bereavement Committee, and began patriotic rosary recitation. He was an adorer for Perpetual Adoration at St. Paul’s and St. Augustine’s churches for many years.

Rich was quite active and still bowling with the Speigle Elders through their 2023 season. He was a long-time member of the CCHS Class of ‘60 ROMEOs, enjoying their monthly lunch gatherings.

Rich was past Commander and Treasurer of the American Legion Post 1489 in Wynantskill, N.Y. At the Legion, he would spend time with fellow veterans and friends, some from childhood. Rich never met a parade he didn’t love, and he marched proudly with the Legion in the annual Memorial Day parade. Each year, Rich was instrumental in awarding medals earned but not yet received to veterans at an annual luncheon.

He’ll be known forever for his puns - the good, the bad and the truly terrible - and the laughter that would catch him over a real zinger. He was the family pancake-maker, turning out letters and designs on the griddle on a Sunday morning.

Rich was a terrific dancer, especially when partnering with his sweetheart from South Troy—his wife, Marianne. Even in his final months, he would shuffle his feet and tap his toes to the golden oldies of the 50s and 60s. In his earlier years, he would bolt onto the dance floor at his children’s weddings or nearly anywhere when he heard the first notes of “La Bamba or Mony Mony.” He and Marianne would light the room with their amazingly synchronized moves.

Richard/Richie,Dad, Grandpa/Pop, Uncle Rich lived a full life centered around his family. Family vacations, celebrations, events, and parties brought him immense joy. He delighted in being surrounded by his loved ones. Over the years, he could be found cheering at basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer games for his kids and grandkids. At the farmhouse on Spring Ave, during the summers he could often be found pulling his grandchildren around in a cart attached to the tractor and in winters, sledding down the front hill. He literally kept the fires burning at the farmhouse on cold winter days, basking in the warmth of the fire and the sight of his family sitting by it. He loved it all.

In truth, there are far too many memories for this space. Rich’s legacy will live on in his family and the countless friends and acquaintances he met over the years, and in their special memories of him. He was one in a million.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff on unit B-1 at Van Rensselaer Manor for the clinical expertise, compassion, and love in the care they provided for Rich. We would also like to thank the other caregivers on the unit with whom we became members of another extended family. Our hearts are with you.

Family and friends may call at Bryce Funeral Home, Pawling Ave., Troy, NY on Thursday, September 19 between the hours of 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 20, at Sacred Heart Church, Troy, NY at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery, Saratoga. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Rich’s name to the following organizations: The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601and Sacred Heart Church and School, 310 Spring Ave., Troy, NY 12180. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

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