Obituary of Richard L. Hanaburgh

North Creek: Richard Lee Hanaburgh Sr., 79, formerly of North Salem, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 5, 2009, at his home, following a brief battle with cancer. Known to his friends and family as Dick, he was born in Torrington, CT to the late Donald L. and Maida (Cleaveland) Hanaburgh on June 26, 1929. Dick was a lifetime member of the North Salem Fire Department and a highly respected builder of custom homes throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties. He later started R.L. Hanaburgh & Sons with his four sons. They went on to expand the business nationally, installing radio frequency shielded chambers in government and industrial complexes. After years as a master craftsman and general contractor, Dick and his wife retired to Chestertown in 1993. In his retirement, he took pleasure in helping his grandsons, as well as several other local Scouts, obtain their Eagle rank. He also utilized his skills as a stone mason and carpenter by supervising building projects throughout the community including the fire ring and flag poles at Dynamite Hill in Chestertown. Dick was the happiest during his retirement when he was surrounded by his family and friends sharing stories, gardening, and working in his wood shop. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Donald C. Hanaburgh of Brewster. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dorothy “Dot” Brady and their eight children: Richard Hanaburgh Jr. and his wife, Terri of Brant Lake; Annie Bulmer and her husband, Dave of North Creek; Marykate Grob, Deborah Kilcullen and her husband, Richard; Ward Hanaburgh, and Brett Hanaburgh, all of North Salem; Philip Hanaburgh and his wife Paola, of Cape Coral, FL; Jayne Taylor and her husband, Jerry of Cadiz, KY; sisters Jane Hanaburgh of NC, and Lorna Bergh of FL; 19 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be conducted at 12 pm, Friday, January 9, 2009 at the North Salem Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book and condolences.