Obituary
Richard William Haskel died peacefully on Sunday, January 25, at the age of 92, surrounded by his beloved wife Jane, daughters Trish and Lina, and son Whit. He was an enormously proud grandfather to Sofia, Lilith, Oliver, and Sebastian, and a loving uncle to Brad, Bill (Amy), Tony, and Jim (Annie) Haskel, and their children Jake, Tommy, Jenny, Tess, Sam, and Eli.
Born on November 16, 1933, to Dorothy and Merwin Haskel in New York City, Richard arrived in the world with a twinkle in his eye that never left him. Raised in Scarsdale, New York, he attended Salisbury School (’51) and Yale University (’55). From his parents, his brother Merwin Jr., and his education, Richard developed into a patient, principled, and deeply respectful man—one guided by strong morals and an unwavering commitment to family, friendship, and community. Throughout his life, he cared deeply for others and mentored many who crossed his path. For decades, he gave generously of his time and energy to Salisbury and Yale, serving both institutions without hesitation and with great pride.
After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, Richard found the great love of his life—his “lover,” Jane—in the summer of 1963 in Mamaroneck, New York. They married the following year and began an extraordinary 62-year journey together. Settling first in Scarsdale, Richard commuted to Manhattan, where his gifts for listening, motivating, and leading propelled him through the ranks of the textile and fiberglass divisions at United Merchants and Manufacturers. He built his career with intention, always placing his family’s happiness at the center of his life.
That devotion led to two bold and meaningful transitions. In 1981, Richard and Jane moved to Lakeville, Connecticut, where he courageously reinvented himself as a business broker in New England. In 1995, seeking yet another adventure, they headed west to San Diego, California, where Richard continued his work and embraced a brand-new community. It became a joyful gathering place for family and friends.
Wherever he lived, Richard maintained a voracious appetite for reading and crossword puzzles, a deep admiration for nature, and an instinctive ability to inspire others to embrace it. He skied and hiked in the Berkshire, Rocky, and San Bernardino Mountains; sailed, canoed, and boated on Lakes Wononscopomuc and Big Bear; and bodysurfed in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. And then there was his beloved tennis—need we say more? Every activity, every shared moment, became a canvas for connection: strengthening family bonds, deepening friendships, and building community.
In retirement, Richard and Jane devoted more time to travel, including multiple trips to Spain, Colombia, and Germany. They had given their children wings, and they delighted in engaging with the people, cultures, and communities that would help shape and inspire future generations of Haskels. Richard remained intellectually and socially engaged through his book clubs and the 12:30 Club, but perhaps most meaningful to him were the more than five years he spent with R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol), serving as an “Ambassador of Goodwill” for the San Diego Police Department.
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Messages
Richard always had a smile, a kind word, and, oh my, that twinkle in his eye was magical.
Jane, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. The love you and Richard shared was something truly special... and rare.
May his memory be a blessing.
Ruth See
Such fond memories!
I’ll never forget, seeing him hiding out under our piano in the living room with a piece of chocolate cake, when you were asking him to watch his weight. He was always such fun to be with.
We send our love and prayers to you, Tish and Whit, and all the grandchildren and family members who are all grieving at this most difficult time of your lives.
Love, Angela & Harris Ashton
We love you all very much.
In lieu of flowers….
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