Hauk, Richard A.

Richard Alan Hauk, 77, of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024. Born on May 25, 1946, to G. William and Janet (Lawlor) Hauk in Queens, NY, Rick spent his early years in Cranford, NJ before moving to Westfield, MA. He attended Westfield High School where he excelled at baseball and basketball, earning All Western Mass honors in both sports. While at WHS he also met his future wife, Linda (Fredrickson) and they were named Senior Class Couple in 1964. Rick and Linda raised two children, Rebecca and Jeffrey, and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on December 21, 2023.

After graduating from Westfield High School, Rick attended Southern Connecticut State College where he studied health and physical education and was a member of the inaugural men's soccer team. Upon graduation in 1969, Rick taught in the Granby Connecticut school district for 35 years. While at Granby High School Rick coached varsity baseball, basketball, and soccer, helping to build Granby into a Connecticut soccer dynasty winning seven state championships and multiple coaching awards including New Haven Register Coach of the Year, Connecticut High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and the George Ritchie Sportsmanship Award presented by the Soccer Officials Association. In 2003 he was a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year award, representing the New England and New York region. Rick was an active member of the Westfield community coaching many youth baseball, basketball, and soccer teams over the years.

Rick was a dedicated, loving husband and father who prioritized his family above all else. Rick enjoyed coaching and watching his children's sports teams, attending school band performances, family vacations to Cape Cod, and rooting for his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. The church was an important part of he and Linda's life together. Rick touched countless lives through his years of service as a teacher and a coach, helping mold young people through his mentorship, caring, and compassion. He had a kind heart and an infectious personality who easily made friends wherever he went.

Rick was predeceased by his parents G. William and Janet Hauk. He is survived by his loving wife Linda; their children Rebecca and Jeffrey (Tara); grandchildren Kyle and Luke; and his sister Diane (Ken) Davis.

Calling hours will be held on Friday January 12th from 4-7 pm at the Firtion-adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Please join us celebrating his life on Saturday January 13 at 11 am at the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to The Michal J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163. Or to the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries