Obituary of Richard John Haskell

Richard J. Haskell, 87, of Owego, NY, went to be with the Lord, Friday, November 3, 2023. Richard was born in Endicott, NY to Charles and Eleanor Haskell, the family moved to Owego when he was a young boy. A 1954 graduate of Owego Free Academy, he applied to IBM only to be told he didn't have enough math credits. He returned to OFA, aced all the math courses needed and became the first graduate of IBM's Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program. He began work at IBM FSD Owego in September, 1955 and retired in 1992 after 37 years with the company. In the 1970's, Rich handled the voting machines for the Town of Owego polling places. In 1957, Rich met Gail A. Elsbree at The Pines Inn and they married, March 28, 1959, at the First Baptist Church of Owego. They are the proud parents of three children and have lived all of their married lives in Owego, NY. Rich and Gail bowled together for 60 years in the Saturday Night Mixed League, and he bowled in various Men's leagues. He accomplished one 300 Game and several 290+ games over the years. Rich and Gail enjoyed annual family camping trips, weekend visits to Vernon Downs and many bus tour vacations. They were known as "The Walkers" for their daily treks around Owego. Richard was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Joyce Dukerich, Robert Haskell, Norman Haskell, Judy Schobel, Charles Haskell. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gail A. Haskell; three children, Pamela (Jeffrey) Fox, of Clayton, NY, Kimberley Haskell (Tim Plain), of Binghamton, NY, Steven (Kelly) Haskell, of Binghamton, NY; three grandchildren, Sam Haskell(Bird Song), of Johnson City, NY, Benjamin (Michelle) Haskell, of Rochester, NY, Olivia Haskell, of Binghamton, NY; sister, Ellen "Suzy" Anderson, of Vinton, VA; three sisters-in-law, Betty Haskell, of Owego, NY, Louise Haskell, of Owego, NY, Wendy Haskell, of Manassas, VA; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family will receive friends, Friday, November 10, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. with funeral services to immediately follow at 12:00 Noon at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY with Pastor Bill Kohler, officiating. Burial will follow in the Tioga Cemetery, Owego, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the mental health charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to Rich's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.