Richard C. "Rick" Hardy

Richard C. “Rick” Hardy

“Power, Speed, Courage”

March 8, 2022, age 68, resident of Needham, son of the late William C. Hardy and the late Florence Hardy. Died suddenly in North Carolina while doing what he loved most.

Born in Boston, Rick grew up in West Roxbury, attending Boston English High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and his Master’s degree from Northeastern University.

Rick was a passionate athlete, and competed as a part of the Cambridge Sports Union during the 1980s, running and orienteering. He transitioned into cycling, and he participated in many local groups, like the Boston Road Club, officiating and participating in the Wells Ave. Sunday Crit and competing in cyclocross races across New England.

In addition to his love for cycling, Rick was a history buff, and spent time on the Needham Historical Commission, advocating for the preservation of historic buildings. He was a longtime Trustee of the Needham Public Library, and believed in education for all. He volunteered and taught ESL classes for Needham community members, and was deeply committed to social justice values.

Rick’s spiritual exploration into Zen Buddhist practice brought him to the Worcester Boundless Way Temple (Mugendo-ji). He enjoyed reading koans and classical Chinese poetry, and his favorite text was Cold Mountain Poems by 8th century Chinese poet Han-shan. To the layperson, Buddhism and the Grateful Dead may seem a strange pair, but for Rick, Robert Hunter’s lyrics echoed the timelessness and transcendent joy of the Eightfold Path. He was a dead-head to the core, and his love of improvisational music extended to jazz as well.

Rick is predeceased by his brother, William Hardy, and is survived by spouse Deirdre O’Hare, child Lee Locke-Hardy, and daughter-in-law Corrie Locke-Hardy, along with sister-in-law Una Stephens-Hardy and step-sister Katherine Kilduff Dineen. He is also survived by his brothers in law Thomas P. O’Hare, his spouse Elaine and John P. O’Hare as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions in Rick’s memory be made to St. Francis House or to Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, two organizations that Rick loved.

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