Richard Louis Haeick

Richard “Rick” Louis Haeick, 63, of Fishers, IN, passed away on February 2, 2025. 

A man who treasured family and friends, Rick was born on July 6, 1961, to Mirna and E. Louis Haeick. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, with two brothers and two sisters, lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and an extended Lebanese family. When his father died in 1992, Rick became the family patriarch. Everyone loved Rick.

Rick graduated from Kenmore West Senior High School in Buffalo. He got his first taste of life in the hospitality industry washing dishes while his mom was the cook at the Williamsville Inn. He got a job at Buffalo’s Executive Club and earned enough money to buy a gray and red Trans Am. 

After working as food and beverage director at Harley Hotel in Connecticut, Rick was promoted and moved to Cincinnati. He was passionate about helping others succeed and often hired local musicians to play the hotel he managed and even at his home for parties. Before anyone coined the term “Friendsgiving,” Rick was cooking full Thanksgiving dinners for friends late at night. 

Rick ended up staying in the Midwest and moved to Indianapolis in 1999. In 2002, Rick met Amy Vaughan, who was executive director of the Hamilton County Visitors Bureau; Rick was on the board. The two quickly got to know each other, and on April 18, 2003, Rick and Amy were married. The two built a life together in Fishers, sharing their love of music, travel, and family. Rick became a doting dad to their son, Nicholas Richard (Nick), from the moment he was born in December 2006. Rick was the consummate “boy dad,” happily saying he lived vicariously through Nick, encouraging him as he engaged in baseball, football, and weight-lifting. He took great joy in taking Nick on adventures such as snowboarding at Perfect North. The family loved going to see the Colts, Pacers, Reds, and Cubs, and enjoyed family vacations together, including trips to the beach, Disney, and Vegas. 

Rick never met a stranger, was quick with a joke or colorful story and always had a big smile on his face. He was known by many names: Richie or Ricky by family, Hank by his childhood best friend, Bushy by high school buddies, Ole Smooth by work friends; and, when he was on the golf course, Rico Suave, because he was anything but smooth on the links.

Rick’s career led him to bring his sales savvy to the auto industry. He worked up the ranks becoming general manager at Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He retired in 2024 as general manager at York Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He was eager to mentor sales associates. Anyone who worked with Rick would say they’re a better person for it. 

Rick had a wide circle of friends who knew him through his ever-present smile, big heart, and passion for live music. He loved watching football, playing poker with high school friends, visiting the casino with family members, or simply gathering for big meals and loud laughter. Rick was an excellent cook, making a killer rib roast and Buffalo chicken dip (a perfect snack to accompany watching his beloved Buffalo Bills). 

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11, Rick managed the disease with fastidious care. When he was 38, he received a kidney donated by his sister, Mary. He was so mentally strong, fighting for years with the effects of diabetes, but he never let on the toll it took on him. 

Rick is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Nick; mother, Mirna Socorro (Badui) Haeick of Buffalo; siblings Mary Haeick Mote (Michael Mote) of Las Vegas, Jackie (Shawn) Slattery of Buffalo, John (Deborah) Haeick of Buffalo, and Louis (Carol) Haeick of Las Vegas; and aunt Patricia “Corky” Ferro of Buffalo.

He also will be missed by his in-laws James and Jeanne Vaughan of Fishers, Emily Vaughan and George McCue of Indianapolis (children Chloe and Ethan McCue), plus 11 nieces and nephews: Elias Haeick, Angela Manning (Alex), Miranda Haeick, Samantha Haeick, Jonathan Haeick (Chelsea), Julia Haeick, Justin Haeick, Shaunna Zwick (Tom), Michael Mote; and six great-nieces and nephews.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Nick Haeick college fund:

https://www.ugift529.com

Gift code: R4M-V1M

 Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. Funeral services will begin there at 1:00 p.m.