Richard E. Hada

Born in Rockford, IL on July 13, 1934, Richard E. Hada, known as Dick, passed into the Kingdom of the Lord on October 3, 2024. He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Patricia (Gahan) Hada. At 90 years old, Dick is survived by his son Thomas Hada and daughter Joan Hada, both of Barnegat, NJ, and daughters Janet George, of Point Pleasant, NJ and Jeanine Bryde and her husband, James, of Barnegat. Dick also cherished his 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Dick is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Kelly, father, Carl Hada, and sister Shirley.

Dick was a proud veteran. He served from 1952 – 1956, during the Korean War as part of the 619th Tactical Control Squadron, USAFE APO 34. He earned a national Defense Service Medal, an Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Good Conduct medal. He separated from the Air Force as an Aircraft Control & Warning Operator.

After his service, Dick attended a trade school in Chicago, IL and was hired as an intern with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) where he worked for his entire career. As a video engineer, he worked on many notable shows including Good Morning America. He also spent a number of years with ABC Wide World of Sports, where he traveled the world as a cameraman. He was the Master Satellite Controller for ABC during the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 for which he won an Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Dick was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Toms River, NJ (BPOE 1875). He worked his way through the ranks, serving as the Exalted Ruler in 1976. His service with the Elks included community outreach, scholarship committees and a wide variety of other services to the community, veterans and youths of the area.

Dick was a serial hobbyist with wide ranging interests. He worked with his hands doing such things as wood carving, making fishing poles and building model airplanes. He was an amateur radio operator (W9ACD) for over 60 years. He flew remote control airplanes and drove RC cars. He enjoyed being a member of the Pine Barrens Modeling Club, where he had many friends. Dick enjoyed billiards, poker, chess and fishing. Recently, he was a burgeoning drone enthusiast where he was refining his photography skills. He loved to share his hobbies with people, most notably his son.

Dick and Pat enjoyed exploring the US full time in their motor home for a year. They enjoyed camping and meeting new people. Dick and Pat started out in a tent, with their four kids, and gradually progressed to trailers, a fifth-wheeler and ultimately a motor home. They created many wonderful memories with their family out in the woods camping.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all the friends who have reached out with love, support and prayers. Dick will be missed by all who knew him, but his family takes solace in knowing that he has been reunited with his beloved Pat.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 12, 8:30 – 10 AM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ 08005. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at St. Mary’s Parish, 747 W Bay Avenue, Barnegat. Burial immediately following the mass will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, at 283 Beachview Avenue in Manahawkin, NJ. (www.BarnegatFH.com)

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