Richard A. Happe

Richard Arthur Happe, 89, recently of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born on November 10, 1936, in Evansville, IN, to the late Marie Veronica (Turpin) Happe and Gilbert Elmer Happe.

Little did Dick know that when he started the French horn in 7th grade that it would shape the rest of his life. By senior year at Bosse High School, he was first chair in the orchestra as well as the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, under direction of Minas Christian. Shortly after leaving Evansville College, where he met his wife, Patricia, he was drafted in the Army and stationed at Fort Benning Georgia to play in the army band.

After discharge from Army, he auditioned for Julliard School of Music in New York City and received an orchestra scholarship. He became a member of the American Brass Quintet, the New York Woodwind Quintet, played the Metropolitan Museum and the 92nd St Y concert series. After a few years at the New York City Opera, he auditioned for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under William Steinberg. He was accepted and resided in Pittsburgh and Sewickley, Pennsylvania for over 50 years, retiring from the orchestra in 1995.

Dick is survived by wife of 67 years, Patricia Happe; and three children, Elizabeth South (Dale Lanford), Marc Happe (Kristi) and Eric Happe (Aileen); six adored grandchildren, Anna South, Frank Stone South, Benjamin Parrish South, Annalise Happe, Lauren Happe, Kaitlyn Happe, and Luka Happe

The family was greatly enriched by Dick’s music career and is grateful for Dick being a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned by the family in Sewickley PA in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Salvation Army.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.