Richard Miley Haverfield, Jr Obituary in Wintersville at Shorac Funeral Home

Richard Miley Haverfield, Jr

Passed 10/17/2014

Obituary For Richard Miley Haverfield, Jr

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.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

09/03/2024

kimmy myers

I was sad to hear of my friends passing. We lived together at Shaffer plaza home c. I will always remember him and his smile. My prayers go to his family, he will truly be missed!
09/03/2024

Mike Abernethy

What a beautiful written summary of Richs life. I will always remember him as one of the camp Tom Tom kids with my brother. My condolences to the family
09/03/2024

Gwen Hunt

Beth, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Even though it is a transition from this physical life and you and your family will reunite with him in time it is still sad, difficult and challenging to lose someone we love. His beautifully written obituary showed what an intricate part of your lives he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom. He was blessed to have you for his sister. May the blessings be, Gwen
09/03/2024

Bonnie Powley

Bev, i am saddened to hear of Richards passing. I spent many weekends at the house with him and what wonderful memories I have of those times. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Beth. He will be missed immensely.
09/03/2024

Kim, Steve, Nick & Emily

Aunt Bev & Beth, What a great tribute to Rich. We have such great memories of him. So lucky to have Rich in our lives! He is loved and will be missed.
09/03/2024

Joe & Meri

What a beautiful tribute! Although we never met Rich, we feel like we knew him through Beth who was a loving , attentive sister who told us wonderful stories of their times together. Our hearts & prayers are with you both...Beth & Beverly. Heaven has just been blessed with another great guy and he is in the arms of Dick & John now.
09/03/2024

Martha LaRue Jordan

Beth and Beverly and family, Richard was the most wonderful, loving, humorous person I have ever met! That is because you both loved and cared for him so deeply - the tribute you wrote was amazing. He had a wonderful life because of you and your family. Ricardo will be forever loved and remembered!
09/03/2024

Lori Kane Quinn

Mrs. Haverfield and Beth, I am so sorry to learn of Rich's passing. Remembering your sweet Son and Brother and Sending Prayers and wishing you comfort during this difficult time.
09/03/2024

Marne & John

What a lovely commemoration. We never got to meet Rich, Beth's beloved brother, but we heard so many wonderful stories. I can see why he was so beloved. And, what a wonderful smile!! Our prayers to all of Rich's family and friends. May your memories bring you peace. God bless, John and Marne Trujillo
09/03/2024

Shane Richard & Blaise Sonnier

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing. But, he had incredible loving support from his family and lived a life as normal as possible.How special is that.... He is now free to express himself, free from any physical limitations. Fly strong and forever happy. Shane and Blaise
09/03/2024

Kristie Jo, Allen, Mary, Drew and Brady

We love you Aunt Bev and Beth. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
09/03/2024

Shaun

God bless you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service:

Obituaries