Richard David Primason

DR. RICHARD PRIMASON
(September 8, 1954 - February 9, 2026)

Richard Primason, 71, died peacefully on February 9th
of advanced brain cancer. In his final days he was surrounded by his family, old friends, music, and boundless love.
Rich was one of three sons born in West Hartford, CT to Peter Primason and Elaine (Dietz) Primason. New York was his chosen home from 1976, beginning in Manhattan, followed by a few years in Queens and Long Island while pursuing his doctorate in psychology. He had lived in Hastings-on-Hudson since 1982.

As a clinical psychologist, Rich worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers for NYC foster youth. For many years Rich had a full-time private practice in Hastings-on-Hudson. In 2004 he published his book Choice Parenting.

Rich's chosen therapeutic approach aligned with his own values. Rich believed we can choose to face adversity with positivity, even curiosity, and without fear. This he did with grace as he faced a most difficult diagnosis.

Rich was known for his warmth, sociability, love of a good meal and wet gin martini, and especially his humor. Music was a great love, particularly west coast jazz and 60's and 70's rock n' roll. Always proud to identify as a drummer, Rich played from age 10 and was a member of bands on and off throughout his life.

Rich was a lifelong student. He had a genuine curiosity and delved deeply into topics including the cosmos, sound meditation, Buddhism, Freud and the history of science. Golf became a near obsession of Rich's over the past 15 years. He studied and practiced the game assiduously and achieved his goal of a single digit handicap for a period, as well as getting a hole-in-one at his beloved Saint Andrew's.

More than anything else, Rich adored his family and in particular took enormous pride in his two sons. He leaves his wife of 42 years Abbe Fabian, son Philip and daughter-in-law Alix, son Ethan and daughter-in-law Caroline and granddaughter Zavi. He also leaves two brothers, Alan and Webb, many nieces and nephews and a close circle of cherished friends.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Calvary Hospital where Rich was treated with kindness and dignity during his last weeks.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Hospital, Doctors without Borders, or your local public radio station.