Richard Curry Hale

Richard “Rich” Curry Hale of Metairie, LA, a professional musician, passed away on June 19, 2012 at the age of 59. He was the beloved husband of thirty-five years of Rebecca Fichter Hale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Jennings Hale and Mildred Curry Hale of Baton Rouge. He also is survived by his sister Claudia Hale Andrews and her husband Andy; his father-in-law Emile Fichter; his sister-in-law Nancy Elizabeth Fichter; brother-in-law Mark Lyons Fichter and his wife Joni; his nieces Anna Catherine Birdsall and Kylie Fichter; nephew Evan Fichter; and godchildren Adam Conkling, Kaitlin Higginbotham, and Alexander Higginbotham; his Uncle William Hale and Aunt Laura Hale; as well as many cousins and dear friends.

Richard was born in Shreveport, LA and lived in Brookhaven, MS and Baton Rouge, LA. For the past 37 years he has resided in New Orleans and Metairie, LA. Richard graduated from Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge, and attended Louisiana State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Loyola University. He loved animals, especially cats, as well as his sister-in-law Nancy’s dog Darcy. His love of music began at an early age, and he played in his first band at the age of 12. He was an accomplished drummer, who performed in various venues around New Orleans, as well as in commercials and on CDs. For the past few years, he had been playing jazz at the Crescent City Brewhouse in New Orleans. His love of music, his wonderful music ability, his kind disposition, and his sense of humor will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 N. Causeway on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment in Lakelawn Mausoleum. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimer.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Orleans Musician’s Clinic, 1525 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115. Website: nomaf.org/donations.php.