Richard Hayden

1951 - 2017

Richard Thomas Hayden
1951-2017
Richard Thomas Hayden, son, brother, uncle and friend died at home of natural causes unexpectedly but peacefully on September 26, 2017. He was 65 years old. Richard was born in NY on November 4, 1951 to Richard and Mary Hayden, both deceased. He is survived by brother, Joseph Hayden of Secaucus, NJ; sister, Mary Ellen McCormick and her husband Richard of Philadelphia, PA, and their children Matthew and his wife, Karen, Jenna and Andrew. He also had 2 great-nephews, Colin and Sean.
Richard was born and raised in Queens, NY, and enjoyed time spent at the family summer home in Highland Lakes, NJ, a place he spoke fondly of, even in his later years. He was always proud of the fact that he hailed from Queens, however, after moving to Houston, he quickly became a Texan at heart.
He obtained a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, NY in 1973, and worked for the next 42 + years for several companies in the engineering and construction industry including CE Lummus (CBI), Stone & Webster (Technip), and for the final 25 years MW Kellogg/KBR.
Richard loved all sports, long holding season tickets for the Astros, Rockets and Texans; he was an avid bowler for years. He visited various casinos several times each year, where he gambled conservatively, saw shows and enjoyed the comps.
He was a major lover of music and musicians of all kinds, beginning in the later 60's as a fan of many of the world's largest bands and attending huge shows in large arenas and stadiums, then growing through the years to love acts of all sizes and genres. In recent years he began attending numerous live music shows, both in and well beyond Houston. He especially enjoyed intimate shows in smaller venues including the house concert circuit, and he always tipped generously. He left behind a mammoth collection of CD's, vinyl LP's and music DVD's.
Richard was a great friend to the people who knew him well. He was truly content in retirement, enjoying his freedom by taking long driving trips to visit family, play cards and see shows. His Olefins Lunch Bunch friends and his multi-company engineering and bowling friends will miss him greatly.
A Houston reception for friends and former co-workers is being planned. A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus, NJ on November 4, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard's memory to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort in Houston c/o The American Red Cross. Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com