Richard S. Harty

Richard S. Harty, 85, of West Springfield, passed away on October 8, 2021, following a long illness.  Richard, or “Dick” as most knew him, was born in Chicopee during the flood of 1936, the son of the late Joseph “Red”  and Evelyeen (Tourville) Harty.  He attended local schools and graduated from Chicopee High School. He went on to receive a degree in Pharmacy Science from the Hampden College of Pharmacy, and later obtained a Master of Education degree from Westfield State College and a Master of Human Relations degree from American International College.  Dick had the immense good fortune of marrying Geraldine Lucey of Springfield in 1960, when they began a partnership for the ages. Dick and Geraldine had seven children and although their marriage ended after almost thirty years, they remained close friends and confidants until the end of Dick's life.  

Dick was in his 30’s when, after years working as a teacher, guidance counselor and pharmacist, he took a leap into the business world, driven to make bigger moves in support of his family of eight.  He transformed a small loan from a friend into a robust portfolio that included many residential and commercial properties, inns, and nightclubs, among them the enduringly popular Geraldine’s, which for decades provided a lively venue for countless musicians, many of whom revered him as a mentor and an iconic force in the Western Mass music world.  His success also enabled him to put his children through college and graduate school, an accomplishment he was especially proud of as education was of the highest value to him throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Caroline Harty Mallett (Lee Mallett) of Yarmouth, Maine, Cathleen Harty of West Springfield and Annemarie Harty of New York, New York; and two sons, Michael Harty (Lisa) of West Springfield and Joseph Harty (Julie) of Longmeadow.  Dick was predeceased by two sons, Patrick and Thomas, his devoted caregiver who died one day before he did.

He also leaves seven adored grandchildren who loved their Papa very much, Grace, Patrick, Jack, Ryan, Daniel, Matthew and Brendan; and three beloved sisters, Patricia Jolicoeur (William), Susan Kolodjay and Donna Harty Grimaldi (Richard).  He was predeceased by his sister Joan Ladner.  He was also a beloved uncle to nieces and nephews Cheryl, David, Mark, Ann, Beth, Kristopher, Aaron and Steven.

Calling hours will be Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Agawam Curran Jones Funeral Home, 745 Cooper Street from 12-2pm.  A Celebration of Life will follow from 2-3pm. All Covid protocols will be followed and face masks will be required.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.