Richard James Hathaway, 77 of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born April 4, 1947 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the son of Richard C. and Jean M. (Harris) Hathaway. Richard worked for 54 years as a project engineer for Bethlehem/Cleveland Cliffs, retiring on August 30, 2024. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cubs and Blackhawks, and enjoyed watching westerns and in his younger years fishing.
Richard is survived by his son, Phillip (Beth) Hathaway; granddaughter, Abigail; and sister, Bonnie (Dick) Bentz. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Gathering will be held October 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 12:00 PM.
GUESTBOOK
Edie and I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. We've both had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rick for many decades and have always appreciated the knowledge and thoughtfulness that he brought to the workplace. We fondly remember our weekly "staff meetings" that me had many years ago at the local "restaurant establishment" where we discussed the ways and the woes of the world. He will truly be missed. -Barry Felton
Phil and family~ we send our love and sympathy to you and yours. Your Dad was a very nice man and he sure did love you Phil! When God takes a loved one from us, he leaves a gift of memories in return. Cherish those memories. -Vicki and Owen Smith
Phil, you and I have had enough conversations over the past year to know my thoughts and feelings regarding your Dad, he will be missed and certainly created a void in many people's lives. Early on in my career at Burns Harbor around 1975-76 I met your Dad, he was in the Engineering side and I was in the Construction side of the old Engineering/Construction Dept. We became friends then and have remained friends ever since. I will miss you my friend! -Gary W. Steindler
Phillip, my deepest condolences to you & your family in the loss of your father. I worked with him since he started at Bethlehem Steel until I retired in August, 2000 & I thought very highly of him. I remember when he married & when you were born & know he loved you very much - you were the light of his life. I doubt very much you remember me as you were still quite young when I retired. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend his visitation, but you will all be in my thoughts & prayers during this time. -Mary Jo Hopkins
My sincere condolences to the Hathaway Family. I've known Rick for some time thru his work in the steel industry as well as socially. He was a great guy and even better friend. He is sorely missed. -Eric Cole
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family of Rick; I am so sorry, as I just learned of his passing. He was a great person, business partner and always a pleasure to enjoy a beer with. -Jason Lammertin
