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Richard Miley Haverfield, Jr., 49, peacefully passed into his eternal heavenly home while surrounded by family on October 17th, 2014. This after a long and hard fought battle with complications following pneumonia. He was a resident of Shafer Plaza, Steubenville. Richard was born February 16th, 1965, to Beverly J. and Richard M. Haverfield of Steubenville; and soon after being informed of his cerebral palsy and mental retardation, they simply vowed to do whatever was in their power to make their new son’s life full and rewarding! They never looked back. Rich thrived and grew strong under their constant nurturing and love. They were told to place him in an institution-he lived at home. They were also told he’d never walk-Rich proved the experts wrong. His doctors said he would not talk, and he actually created his own way to communicate with happy innovative sounds, signs and gestures! He eventually did learn formal sign language, but continued to use several of his own signs throughout his life. Early in his life he attended special school and made fantastic progress. Eventually, the JeffCo School of Bright Promise was created and he attended till young adulthood. During his young life he endured countless medical procedures, doctor visits and surgeries, and almost always with a smile or a sly grin. Despite challenges, and from the very start, Rich was included in every family vacation, family reunion, holiday gathering, and Sunday picnic. He along with his parents were unstoppable. They engaged him in every type of play-swimming, dancing, singing, camping, even family whiffle ball! And so much laughter always! His sense of humor was priceless and sophisticated and appreciated by all who knew him, loved him, lived with him and cared for him. As a young adult, Rich moved into Shafer Plaza and attended the JeffCo Sheltered Workshop each weekday. Shafer Plaza became “Home Sweet Home” and he cherished many group activities and weekends free to listen to CD’s or watch DVD’s, take a nap, and gather with his housemates for meals. Rich was gifted in music appreciation! All styles, all genres from country to standards and classics to pop. He enjoyed Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, and The Bee Gees, along with his all time favorite, Elvis Presley! Through the years he attended many concerts with his parents: Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, The Osmonds, and Tony Orlando and Dawn, to name a few. He travelled all over with his parents as well-Myrtle Beach, King’s Island, Niagra Falls, and Colorado-even making his way to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs at 14,110 feet! Richard is preceeded in death by his father, Richard M. Haverfield, and his brother-in-law, John B. Martin. Also, his maternal grandparents, Elizabeth J. Little and John W. Phillips, and paternal grandparents, Grace and Alfred Haverfield. He is survived by his mother, Beverly J. Haverfield n`ee Phillips and his sister, Beth Lynn Martin n`ee Haverfield as well as many many special aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shafer Plaza, 256 John Scott Highway in Steubenville. A Memorial Service to honor Richard’s life will take place at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Thursday, October 23rd, at 12:30 pm.
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