Richard Allen Haire

Richard Allen Haire, son of William and Dorothy Haire, was born on March 8, 1944. Richard passed away suddenly on October 12, 2023. Richard was an avid humanitarian and humanist who happily gave of himself to help anyone he could. Having served in the Air Force after graduating high school he cared for his country as much as he did for others. This compassionate service continued as he worked to support Stairways Behavioral Health in providing mental health and life skills support. He served as a high school science teacher for underprivileged and troubled youth at Harborcreek Youth Services and Edmond L Thomas Detention Center and Shelter. Richard worked on the Board of the Upper Room, a homeless shelter for people who had no place to go during the day. He raised significant funds and ensured that the doors remained open for anyone who needed it.

His interests included architecture, where he built several houses and his own, playing bridge, golfing, hosting and cooking for his friends and family, and world traveling. Richard explored five different continents. Richard’s experiences helping others fueled his political ideologies and he also avidly supported the Democratic party by campaigning for candidates who shared his views and speaking out against racism, discrimination, and strongly advocating for equal rights.

Richard was just as passionate about his family as he was about life. He married Debret Lynn Haire on December 8, 1979 . Together they had two boys, Gregory and Benjamin, who were the center of his life as were his three grandchildren Cedric, Camden, and Cyrus.

There will be a Memorial Service for Richard at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 Perry Highway on Sunday, November 12 ,2023 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Upper Room, 1024 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501

Arrangements by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com