In Memory of Richard E.” Dick” Hatfield, III

Obituary

Richard E.” Dick” Hatfield, III, 78, of New Hartford, passed away suddenly, October 30, 2023.

He was born May 18, 1945, in Utica, the son of the late Richard E., Jr. and Vivian Clark Hatfield and graduated from New Hartford High School.

Dick married Judith Yerdon on December 17, 1966, in Utica.

He worked for many years at Special Metals where he was affectionately known by his many friends as “Skinny.”

He was an active member of Westminster-Moriah-Olivet Presbyterian Church Utica, hardly missing a Sunday service where he managed the Sound System. He also served the church as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2000. He was also a member of the International Association of Machinists.

Dick enjoyed sports, especially the LA Dodgers and the NY Giants. He was a lifelong avid hockey fan attending many local hockey games, starting in Clinton when he was a teenager. Dick was an avid reader and collector of sports memorabilia. He also enjoyed horse racing, local history, lottery tickets and ghost stories. For several years, he took his granddaughter, Kaelin, “ghost-hunting” every Halloween.

Dick always made friends wherever he went. He was always smiling and had a great sense of humor. Dick enjoyed his many friends that he made at the various coffee shops throughout the area. He always had a kind word and a story for his many friends. Sometimes the stories were even true! He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Judy, who he has been devoted to throughout her recent illness; his sons Richard E. Hatfield, IV, of PA and Mark Hatfield of NY, his granddaughter Kaelin Hatfield; his sister and brother-in-law Cynthia and Larry Mierek of Westernville; his brother-in-law David (Barbara) Yerdon, his sister -in-law Brenda (Paul) Wehrle; nieces and nephews Jordan Hallak, Adam and Erich Wehrle, Kara, and Jonathan Yerdon. He also leaves his beloved dog Clover.

Calling hours are on Sunday from 2-4 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. The funeral will be Monday at 10:00 AM also at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, with the Rev. Dr. Mark Caruana, officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Anita’s Steven-Swan Humane Society.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com.