Richard “Rockin’ Rick” Appleton Haitz Jr. passed away on Nov. 3, 2020 at the age of 70.
Richard was born in Batavia, NY on July 14, 1950 to Alice and Richard Haitz Sr. Richard had an abundant loving family, being the seventh of 10 siblings. He married Cathy Jean Davidson on June 9th 1972. Together, they had four children.
Richard discovered his passion for music and entertainment at a very early age. He was a singer, songwriter, loving father, and a soulful playing piano man. His musical talents were so captivating he won a television program called "The Gong Show" in 1979, where he performed "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, one of his many musical inspirations. His passion for entertaining led him through a very successful musical career where he played in many different venues in his home state as well as in Sarasota, Fla.
He loved working on cars, watching movies, and all things comedy. His distinctive sense of humor was immeasurable, and his profound ability to make others laugh will be sorely missed, but his jokes and witty one-liners will continue to live on. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Martin Haitz Sr., and his sister, Suellen Haitz.
He is survived by his children, Richard Appleton Haitz III, Heather Patricia Dolatowski, Sean Davidson Haitz, Grace Storey, their mother, Cathy Haitz, and six grandchildren. As well as, seven of his siblings, Judy Marchese, Cathy Quinlan, James Haitz, Gregory Haitz, Mary Konarski, Christopher Haitz, and Gerard Haitz. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will be carried on through his accomplishments and his children and grandchildren who value entertainment and music just as he did.
Due to COVID-19 a small celebration of life will be held in Sarasota for family and friends.
Date TBD; contact grace.haitz@gmail.com for further details.
A memorial service will be held in Silver Lake, NY in July 2021.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for service expenses be made to https://everloved.com/life-of/richard-haitz-jr/
