Richard Hackett, 92, of Valparaiso passed away Monday, April 7, 2025. He was born August 14, 1932, in Elwood, IN to Lester & Hattie (Heyer) Hackett and graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary. Dick made his career with U.S. Steel for many years retiring as Manager of Quality Assurance Control of outside processors as part of their Sheet & Tin Mill. He then worked as a consultant for Midland Steel and Ryerson Coil.
Dick was an excellent baseball player (1st base) and a White Sox fan. He loved softball, bowling, gardening & yardwork. His favorite author, John Grisham, helped to keep him reading avidly throughout his lifetime and may have helped to spark his creative writing habit. Longtime membership at Valparaiso First United Methodist Church included time teaching Sunday school and serving on multiple boards & committees.
On March 10, 1956, he married Beverly Leathurby who survives along with their children: Martin “Marty” (Pam) Hackett of Valparaiso, Antoinette “Toni” Schroeder of Valparaiso & Andrea (Jeff) Byerman of Knox, grandchildren: Brian Norris, Christian (Joanna) Hackett, Kiersten (Jake) Byerman, Blake Byerman & Elizabeth (Bryan) Rufo, and great-grandchildren: Gianna, Julian, Atticus & Naomi. He was preceded in death by granddaughters: Alexis Schroeder & Suzannah Carlin, and siblings, Ellen Vinson & Jim Hackett.
A visitation will be held on Monday from 11 am to 1 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm and entombment to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA of NWI.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathies to the entire Hackett family during this difficult time. Mr. Hackett truly was a genuine, kind man. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal. -Tiffany Hawkins
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers being prayed for the family. -Annette Freese
Sorry to hear about Dick, my deepest sympathy to Bev and his family. Worked with Dick and he truly was a wonderful person. Great teacher who taught me all about the business. Greatest time was planning our office Christmas parties and we were stuck about the entrainment until Bev brought the wine. The Night before Christmas was never the same. It was a great party. Will miss his many stories and friendship.Rest in peace dear friend. -Dick Dobis and family
Toni, we are so very sorry for the loss of your father. We are praying for your mom, you, and your entire family to give you peace! Many hugs and prayers. -Yvonne Condo
So sorry to hear about Uncle Dick’s passing. I have very fond memories of Dick and his great sense of humor. Knowing that I was a Cubs fan, Uncle Dick once told me that the baseball commissioner had told Pete Rose that he was never allowed back into organized baseball so they sent him to the Cubs. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. I will cherish my memories of my favorite Uncle Dick and pray for comfort for Bev, Marty, Toni, and Andrea and all the family. -Phil Hackett
"To my best friend" Now I say goodbye to someone who meant the world to me. My best friend-my chosen family-someone who brought light, laughter and love into every room. You were the one I could count on, through every high and low. I will carry your memory with me always in the quiet moments and in the laughter, we once shared. You are gone from this world, but never from my heart. Thank you for your amazing humor and thank you for being you. You will be missed more than words can say. Amen Richard Amen. -Ronald E Williams
Richard was one of the good guys. Font Memoirs at USS. So sorry for your lost. -Glen Kirk
