was born on April 20, 1951 in Harlem Hospital, New York City, to the late Herbert Earl Hardy Sr. and late Marion Hardy. He was the third of five children. His earthly course ended on July 19, 2018.

In 1965, Richard became a dedicated servant of Jehovah at the young age of 14. A few years after graduating from Bedford Stuyvesant HS, he married the love of his life, his wife of 48 years, Cathleen. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Providence, RI to serve where there was a greater need for preachers of the good news. While Cathy devoted her time to the full-time ministry, Richard supported her ministry as an administrative assistant at a local company. In 1972, a surprise that led to a new adventure, their firstborn Mark Nathanael arrived. Then eight years later, they decided to add to their small clan with their daughter Leah Michal. In 1978, he began a 33 year career working for the United States Postal Service where he finally retired in 2011. Although he started off young, he excelled in the role of a husband, a father, and an elder in the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Despite his chronic illnesses, whenever Richard was asked how he was doing, his response would always be "Great!!!" A cheerful and positive heart was the biggest part of his personality. In fact, spiritual activities were always the focus of his life, such as serving where the need was great on several occasions, attending international conventions, and most recently, joining his wife as a regular pioneer for the last 5 years. But his most important care and concern, was that his family served Jehovah right into the Paradise.

He is survived by his dear wife Cathleen Hardy, son Mark N. Hardy and wife Melissa, daughter Leah Gainor and husband Jason, and two grandsons Louis and Sebastian. His brothers were Paul L. Hardy deceased, Herbert Earl Hardy Jr. deceased, two sisters, Barbara A. Hardy and Diane C. Price. Mother in-law Juanita Prather, eight sisters in-law, six brothers in-law, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Talk will be held Saturday, July 28th at 3pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave, Lincoln. Family and friends are invited.