Richard M. Hlatki

Richard Michael Hlatki, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 surrounded by family.
The son of Michael Hlatki and Lillian Pawlak, he was born in New York, New York on October 13, 1947. After growing up in Long Island, he attended Hofstra University and went on to complete a Master's degree at New York University. Richard was honored to serve in the United States Army and be named as President of Providence Rotary, illustrating his commitment to country and community. He held several jobs throughout his life, most recently working for over 20 years as Director of Risk Management at Hasbro Toy Company. There he met his loving wife Susan Tamboe and her daughter Kelsey.
Richard and Susan wed in 2002 and have enjoyed over 22 wonderful years of marriage. After their retirement from Hasbro, they had the opportunity to pursue new interests and experiences together. They started each morning with "What shall we do today?" with every day bringing a new activity or adventure. Richard loved his monthly trips to the PPAC with Susan, dining with family and friends at their favorite restaurants like Castle Hill in Newport, and spending quiet quality time at their beach home in Narragansett. Richard's immense love and appreciation for Susan were obvious to all, and his thoughtfulness and care brought her a lifetime of happiness she will treasure always.
Richard's devotion as a father was undeniable. He faithfully cheered on Kelsey at every soccer game and crew meet, and coached her to become a state debate champion. He empowered his daughter to have high aspirations and took immense pride in her accomplishments and actions. Over the years, Kelsey has frequently heard from everyone in Richard's life "your dad loves you so much and is so proud of you," and she knows that will always be true.
Richard was deeply proud of his family and cherished the time he spent with them. He loved to travel, and together they created countless memories exploring the world. A lover of the arts, history, culture, and cuisine, he made the most of every destination and delighted in sharing it all with Susan and Kelsey. Most treasured of all were trips to Aruba, where the family traveled for over 20 years, making it their home away from home.
He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and going to the shooting range. He looked forward to his annual ice fishing and hunting trips to Maine with his brothers-in-law. Above all, he adored being an affectionate and steadfast dog dad to his labrador retrievers, Bailey and Kingston.
Richard was a humble, loyal man who was loved and admired by his friends and family. His spirit made the world a better place, and his loss will be profoundly felt by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Dr. Kelsey Anderson, her husband Dr. Rei Mitsuyama and sons Michael and Richard.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11am-12:30pm with a Funeral Service at 12:30pm in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave, Warwick. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Rhode Island SPCA, 155 Plan Way Warwick, RI 02886 (www.rispca.org).