Richard L. Hardesty, Sr.

Richard L. Hardesty, Sr., a lifelong resident of Deale, Maryland and a familiar and beloved presence throughout South County, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, following a lengthy illness. He was 87 years old.

Richard was born on August 2, 1939, to James A. Hardesty and Marie E. Hardesty. He graduated from Southern High School in 1959 and went to work for Anne Arundel County, where he spent nearly four decades serving his community before retiring in 1998.

During his years working for Anne Arundel County, Richard was drafted into military service. He proudly served in the United States Army from March 1963 until March 1965.

In January 1977, Richard married the love of his life, June F. Hardesty (nee Green). Together, Richard and June shared 48 years of marriage filled with family, friendship, and countless memories. June preceded him in death in October 2025. Their love and devotion to one another remained a defining part of Richard’s life.

Richard was a lifelong member of the Deale Volunteer Fire Department, an organization that held a special place in his heart. At the time of his passing, he was the department’s longest-serving member, a testament to the many years of dedication and service he gave to the organization and his community. He was also an accomplished duckpin bowler and enjoyed many years of competition. In March 1968, while bowling in the Anne Arundel Volunteer Fire Department League, Richard set the Colonial Lanes house record with an impressive score of 201.

Richard enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved horse racing, Friday phone calls with Donnie and Peggy Kemp, trips to Ocean City, and playing his lottery numbers. He was also an avid fan of Baltimore sports and enjoyed following the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders and Washington Capitals. He could often be found cruising around South County, where he enjoyed seeing what was happening and, perhaps even more, stopping to talk with anyone who would listen. He knew the area, knew the people, and always seemed to have a story or an opinion to share.

One of the greatest joys of Richard’s later years was his grandson, Troy. Richard loved getting Troy off the school bus each day, and those moments became a cherished part of both of their lives. His grandchildren, Brooks and Troy, brought him tremendous pride and happiness.

Richard will be remembered not only by his family, but also by the countless friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched over the years. He had a way of making himself known and remembered, and his presence in South County will be deeply missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Hardesty and Marie E. Hardesty; his beloved wife, June F. Hardesty; his sister-in-law, Joyce A. White; and his cousin, Vernon Hardesty.

He is survived by his son, Richard L. Hardesty, Jr. and his wife, Sylvia, of Arnold; his daughter, Jennifer A. Passero and her husband, Nick, of Churchton; his grandsons, Brooks and Troy; and countless friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Gregory Alexandrides and his wife, Athena; Russ Lancaster, Jr. and his wife Becky; Catherine Strain, Richard’s niece; and friends Doug and Robin Howard, who went far beyond what they could ever be expected during the last years of Richard’s life. Gregory, Athena, Russ, Becky, Catherine, Doug, and Robin were there for Richard and his family in countless ways, providing help, companionship, kindness, and support when it was needed most. Their generosity and unwavering friendship and family devotion made them an invaluable part of Richard’s life, and the family will always be deeply grateful for everything they did for them.

The family also wishes to sincerely thank the staff at Autumn Lake at Spa Creek for the care, kindness, and compassion they showed Richard during his time there. Special thanks go to Rhonda, Ciera, Chrissy, Akierra, Anslem, Kadi, Chi Chi, Ashley, Yaz, Shirleta, Suliaman, and Karen for taking such good care of Richard and treating him with dignity and compassion.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, Maryland 20736. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Deale Volunteer Fire Department, an organization that was an important part of Richard’s life for many years.

Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and many people who knew him throughout South County. His stories, his sense of humor, his love of his family, and his familiar presence out on the read will remain part of the memories of those who knew and loved him.