Richard Harder

The Southside just lost a classic. Everybody knew his name. Richard "Dick" Harder, also affectionately known as Uncle Dickie, 87, lost his 2 1/2 year battle with stage IV cancer on Friday, September 26, 2014, at his home. He fought the good fight and was very pleased that his oncologist always called him "Iron Man". He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Myrtle Harder; brothers, Harold and Donald; grandson, Aaron DeRigo; and his former wife, Junita Harder. Dick is survived by his six children: daughter, Judy Santucci, grandchildren, Nicole Tania, Anthony; son, Richard, (Ann), grandchildren, Leslie, Richie, Danny; son, Jack, (Lisa), grandchildren, Kolene, Kelly, Britney; daughter, Paula DeRigo, (Ralph), grandchildren, Brad, Justin, Corey; son, Terry, (Madeline) grandchildren, Josh, Ashley, Matt, Nate; son, Mark, (Michelle), grandchildren, Chris, Todd and Colin. Also survived by brothers, Robert and James, (Dawn); sister, Marge Smith; as well as 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dick was a veteran of World War II and was extremely patriotic. He never met a flag he didn't want to display. He lived by a Ronald Reagan quote, "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free." Dick loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and never missed a family celebration. He spent summer weekends at Cayuga Lake for 35 years. He loved hanging out in Richie's garage, in fact he spent several hours there every day. It was the cleanest, most organized garage we've ever seen and he always enjoyed taking a beer break with his boys. He was a Jack of all trades and there was nothing he couldn't fix or jury-rig at the very least. Although he had a gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone. Anytime he received a request for a charitable donation, he wrote them a check, no exceptions. Dick was a tractor trailer driver for most of his working career. After "retiring" at age 65, he bought his own truck and worked as an independent trucker until he was 75. He still had his class I driver's license. After his "second retirement", he started buying cars and trucks to repair and sell, as well as collecting scrap metal and copper to recycle. He had a work ethic like no other and was quick to lend a hand to anyone needing help. Dick will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There will never be another like him. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton. Burial will follow services in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Vestal Rd., Vestal, NY 13850