Richard HADDEN

1932 - 2013

HADDEN

Richard once commented that a relative, "was a dazzling, eccentric, aristocratic and charismatic individual . . ." The same could be said of Mr. Hadden. He was a true Renaissance man, and enriched the lives of everyone he met.

Richard was born to a civil engineer and school teacher in 1932. He made education his lifelong endeavor, graduating from Kenyon College (B.A), Harvard Law School (J.D), New York University (M.A.) and Episcopal Theological School (M.Div.)

He was an accomplished musician, playing the piano and singing throughout his life. He sang in a number of choirs, including St. John's Unitarian Choir and the Cincinnati Gay Men's Chorus.

When asked what Richard did for a living, the question became what didn't he do! He worked in publishing, was a private bookseller, an ordained Episcopal Priest, a chaplain and teacher, an attorney, a C.P.A., a chocolatier, a chef, cookbook author and above all, a friend, devoted husband. and devoted father.

Accomplishments and professional relationships he valued greatly included working closely with partner Roger Strauss at Farrar, Strauss and Giroux in New York, publishing a Pulitzer Prize winning author while at Wesleyan University Press, sharing his intense interest in the intersection between theology and history as a minister, chaplain and friend, and winning a landmark personal injury case as an attorney.

Ever gregarious, he was known to his children as a "freak magnet." His natural exuberance attracted everyone, and he had a lively curiosity and tender care of all who crossed his path. He also had an innate flair for the dramatic, once appearing at a dear friend's birthday party in a tuxedo, carrying an expensive bottle of brut champagne! In later years,

Richard was a member of the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) lunch club. He read voraciously, participating in several book clubs. He had a particular enthusiasm for Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe detective novels, greatly enjoying the exploits of the outrageous gourmand and trying to replicate his menus.

He and his beloved wife, Barbara, hosted many friends and family members on biannual trips to France, and commemorative dinners recalling their travels.

Richard died November 23, 2013.

Richard is survived by his wife of 30 years, Barbara; his brother George C. Hadden, his children: Louise Hadden, Alex Hadden-Boyd, and Jeremy Hadden; two step-children Phillip and David Fritz; numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great grand-children.

Richard was a member of St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church in Cincinnati.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in early 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Cincinnati are welcome.

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