Obituary of Richard T. Haviland

Richard Thomas Haviland Richard Thomas Haviland, age 86, died peacefully Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on February 11, 1938, to Martha and John Haviland. He is predeceased by his brother John Haviland (Diane), Patricia Dallavalle (Art) and Mary Jane Miszewski (Robert). He is survived by his loving wife Joan, his children Anne Haviland (Adam Nagelvoort), John Haviland (Laureen), David Haviland (Donna), Kate Pedersen (partner John Murray), and Caroline Haviland. His grandchildren Matt and Jenny Wachala, Nina Haviland, Anna Haviland, Devlyn Haviland, Derek Haviland, Dawson Haviland, and Jacob Pedersen. As well as his nieces and nephews Janet Schlosnagle (Don), Nancy Dallavalle (Rob Wething), James Dallavalle, Barbara Dallavalle (Paul Gunsch), Robert Haviland (Sue), Karen Cleveland and Jane Haviland, as well as countless friends from Mt. Morris and Honeoye Falls who became family. For many summers he and his family were thrilled to welcome cousins Susan, Michael, Sarah, Martha, and Liz whose parents had passed. Their family went from 5 to 10 children. Dick and Joan were only in their 30's! Richard grew up in Milwaukee and attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School and Messmer High School. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from Marquette University and his PhD from the University of Buffalo. He started as a speech therapist in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Dick and family then moved to New York where he taught in the Speech and Hearing Department at the State University of New York at Geneseo. After receiving his doctorate, he worked for the Developmental Disability Services Offices which led to his helping people who were in institutions. He hired artists to create murals and mobiles to brighten their environment. He was instrumental in helping with the transition from institutions to the group homes in the community. HIs position as Chief of Service enabled him to continue to make a difference to the people with disabilities and mentor staff. After he retired, he focused on his love of photography. He enjoyed working at Wright Images and taking lots of photos. He was a member of The Photographic Historical Society. He formed a company called Film for Classics that cut and spooled film which enabled people worldwide to use their vintage cameras. All his life, he helped others. He volunteered with the homeless at Dimitri House, with the dying at Benincasa, and he took Holy Communion to shut ins. He was a member of Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester where he and Joan and Sarah Brownell were inspired to form Friends of Borgne, Inc. This is a foundation that helps educate children in Borgne, Haiti. He helped the Village of Honeoye Falls to become Sister Cities with Borgne. He was a tireless fundraiser for the children of Haiti. His trip to Borgne was a highlight of his life. He responded to a years' long request to have a marching band in Haiti by gathering and repairing musical instruments which were taken to Borgne. The Havilands had a great social life filled with family and friends. They hosted New Year's Eve parties, St. Patrick's Day parties, weddings, birthdays. They celebrated life. Richard and Joan had many wonderful travel adventures near and far — Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Russia, Costa Rica, Montreal, Quebec City, Italy, France, Hawaii, and national parks in the United States. Needless to say, many photographs were taken! Dick was infirm for the last several years of his life, but his mind and spirit were so strong. He nourished his soul by spiritual reading every day. He spent much of his day in prayer for those he knew were in need. He was loved and cared for by his family and caregivers especially Liz Adams. Friends may call on Friday, March 8th from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at the Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, March 9th, at 11:00 a.m. at Spiritus Christi Church which is located at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 Fitzhugh Street North, Rochester, NY 14614. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Friends of Borgne, Inc, PO Box 486, Honeoye Falls, NY — his last fundraiser! The funds will be used to replace a vital area for the children to have a meal each day, to store the band instruments, to house the sewing center, to get after school help, and to hold meetings.