Obituary of Richard M. Hakanen

HAKANEN - Richard M., 72, entered into eternal life on July 26, 2008, after a three-year battle with cancer. Born in the apartment above the old Costlow Garage in Nanty Glo to Waco and Isabelle (Leatherman) Hakanen on March 24, 1936. Preceded in death by father in May 1986, and mother in September 2007. Survived by wife, the former Barbara Lindsay, and daughters, Lynn, married to James McCraney, Winder, Ga.; and Dawn Hakanen, Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Dustin Schirato, 20, and Lindsay Schirato, 17, Winder Ga.; brothers, David (Nellie), Titusville, Fla.; and J.C. (Sharon), Fredericksburg, Va.; and sister, Donna (Dick) McCotter, Titusville, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by aunt, Helen Mott, and special uncle, Ernie Hakanen, and wife, Ellen. A 1954 graduate of Nanty Glo High School, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958, where he was an aircraft mechanic in Army Aviation. Owner/operator of The Lindsay Insurance Agency, Nanty Glo, for over 20 years. Past president of Nanty Glo Lions Club. Head of the Salvation Army Kettle Drive in Nanty Glo for 25 years and past president of the Nanty Glo Public Library. Attendant and member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Nanty Glo. Rich loved restoring old cars and was a NASCAR fan before it was popular. Always ready to offer help and known in the neighborhood as someone who could fix anything. He will be missed by many, especially his grass-cutting buddy, Butch Lindrose. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Rev. Carl Schmidt officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber Pa. 15963; the Nanty Glo Public Library, 942 Roberts St.; or Nanty Glo C and MA Church, 1155 Roberts St. Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery.