Richard Crieg “Rick” Hasty
February 4, 1947 - March 16, 2020
* UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION AS OF JANUARY 7, 2021 *
Richard Crieg “Rick” Hasty, age 73, of Bear, DE, passed away after a brief illness on March 16, 2020 at Christiana Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 4, 1947 in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Andrew and Estelle Balentine Hasty. He spent his early years in the Claymont area until moving to the New Castle area. He attended and graduated from William Penn High School in 1965. Upon graduation from high school, Rick proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in the 169th Armor, 4th Infantry Division. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, Lt. Hasty was awarded the Silver Star for Valor, the Bronze Star, four Purple Hearts for being wounded four times, and a Vietnamese Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty in October 1968 but remained in the active Reserves until 1973.
In 1969, Lt. Hasty married his High School Sweetheart and the love of his life, Eleanor Hamilton Hasty. Rick obtained a degree from the University of Delaware which eventually led to a thirty-three-year career in the Engineering Department for the E.I. DuPont Company. Rick was a member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church and a member of VFW Post 475 in Newark, DE. Rick was an avid reader, with a special interest in History. He was our “go to guy” for information. A gifted athlete, football, soccer, and running were his favorite sports. Rick instilled in his kids the importance of health and fitness. He ran his last competitive race at 55 but continued to exercise his whole life.
The Hasty Family wishes to extend their appreciation to the Paramedics of the Christiana Fire Company, the New Castle County Police, and the Doctors and Staff of the Christiana Hospital for all of their help and guidance during this difficult time.
Above all, Rick’s greatest joy in life was spending time with family, and spoiling his beloved grandchildren. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Eleanor (Hamilton) Hasty; son, Matthew (Jennifer) Hasty; daughter, Erin (Brian) Fulton; grandchildren, Beckham, Trinity, Brianna, and Laney; sister, Sharon (Ed); brother, Greg (Rose); many nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog, Bunker.
Committal Services with Full Military Honors scheduled for Friday, March 12, 2021, have been rescheduled due to COVID restrictions to 11:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Delaware City Fire Hall, 815 5th Street, Delaware City, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Rick’s name be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org or mailed to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675, the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 2025, Milford, NH, or the Helen Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713. Please reference First Lieutenant Richard C. Hasty.
Linda & Ken Martin
Eleanor & family, we are so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Rich. Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers Linda & Ken Martin
SANDY TURULSKI
Ellie and Family, I am extending my most sincere condolences to you all. I hope that all of the wonderful memories of special times together will soften the ache in your hearts caused by your loss. Sandy T
Jesse Jones
Ellie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was evident in the few years I worked with Rick that his love for each of you was incredibly deep and always present. He relished telling loving stories of each of you and I had a deep respect for him because of this. Respect sums it up, cause Rick got it and deserved it. He was one of the good guys and I will continue to think of him often as I have since he retired. Prayers for you all. Love Jesse and Penny Jones
George Diffendall
Ellie, Erin and Matt,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I enjoyed being with him for 20 years at the Haz Lab. He was, and is as fine a person as I ever met. I will miss him.
George D.
SALLY RYBACHAK
Ellie and family,
I am heartbroken to hear of Rick’s passing. What a special husband, father and grandfather he was. May those wonderful memories you have bring you peace and comfort at this time. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Love,
Sally
Linda Ochenrider
Ellie and family, wishes of comfort and condolences go to each of you during this sad time. Family mattered so much to all of you and may you find some comfort with each other during this difficult time. You are in my prayers. Linda
Carol Egan
Dear Eleanor and Family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. Please know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Muriel Harding
My condolences go to you and your family,Ellie. Sorry our first contact in years need be a sorrowful one My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Susan (and Jim) Flook
Jim and I were very shocked and saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. Our prayers go out to Ellie, Matt, Erin and all the grandkids.
Love, Susan and Jim Flook
William Woznicki aka Woz
I had the honor to work with Rick at the Engineering Test Center. What a guy. I’m so sorry for your loss. He will surely be missed, My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Diane Janes
Ellie and family, I was so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. I know you will miss him tremendously but you have so many good memories to cherish. Just think of some of the great trips and adventures you have had since you retired. My prayers are with you. Diane
Erin E Hasty-Fulton
My heart is truly broken. My dad is the first man I ever loved. He taught me to be strong, open-minded, a critical thinker, hard worker, and to stand up for what is right. My father was a man of few words at times, but you knew that when you were talking to him, you had his undivided attention. If he asked you questions, it was because he truly wanted to know more. His dry sense of humor had me cracking up to the point of crying at times. He was great at finding humor in situations that most wouldn’t. I loved our daddy/daughter talks and will always remember the words of wisdom he shared. He would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you could use it. He loved me, my brother, and my mom unconditionally. He taught me that family is the most important thing in life, and that it’s worth fighting for. He often sacrificed his own wants and needs to ensure all of us had what we wanted and needed. My father worked his whole life and wasn’t one to sit around. In his mind, there was always something that needed to get done around the house, which made these last few months especially hard for him. His body just couldn’t keep up any longer with his wanting to keep going. He was our rock, our calming voice when life seemed hectic, and the voice of reason when all else seemed out of control. I feel so fortunate to have had 39 years of memories with you. Most people never get to meet their hero, I was raised by mine! I will always love you dad! Until we meet again, I will do my best to live up to the legacy you created and the values you instilled in me. 💞💕💞💕
Jennifer Hasty
One of my favorite memories of Poppop Hasty was rocking Beckham to sleep in front of the computer to gospel music. Our kids have always enjoyed his presence of patience and unselfish love. Poppop carried a gift of calming the room, and just always made you want to be your best self. The loss to our family is immeasurable, but I have faith his strong spirit will continue to be a driving force to us forever. We love you Poppop!❤️
Susan Olds Townsend
My life was made better by Rick’s life. I respected him and Ellie for their gifts and the loving example to me. God bless .
Sincerely, Susan/Susie
Karen Tancredi
I only heard the sad news today. I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. I only had the pleasure of working with Rick for a few short years but he was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met – a true gentleman who dearly loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eleanor H. Hasty
Rick was the Love of My Life!! We were High School Sweethearts at the Old William Penn High School, been together 56 years and married for 51. We have had a wonderful life, full of fun, laughter, adventures, travels, and many cherished memories!!
We were Blessed with 2 Great Kids, Matthew and Erin, both Married, and 4 Wonderful Grandchildren!! Rick was the Best Husband, Father, and Grandfather!! Our Little Granddaughter said it best when she said, “God just received into Heaven one of the Best Angels, PopPop was the Best Role Model for all of us, and PopPop loved us and we all loved him, and PopPop is looking down from Heaven right now watching over us!! Pretty insightful for a little 12 year old!! My family and I want to thank all of you for your love, kindness, friendship, and many condolences and expressions of sympathy extended to all of us during this difficult time. Your continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated!! Our life with Rick was so Full of Wonderful Blessings and Memories!! Swimming with the Dolphins at Disney Cove and Snorkeling in Nassau on our 50th Wedding Anniversary was right up at the top of the list of our many adventures and travels. Take care everyone and Love the ones you’re with every day for life can change in a heartbeat!! 💕💕
Jim Neel
Eleanor,
Although I haven’t seen Rick for years, I was very shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. I remember him as being a really good, unassuming, friendly, and genuinely nice guy. I am so very sorry for your loss, especially during these crazy times. Linda and I plan to be there for a final goodbye. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Jim Neel