Richard attended St. Hugh Catholic School and Immaculata-LaSalle High School in Miami, where he received a varsity letter in track; Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, Texas A&M University, and Eastern Carolina University. He received a Master’s Degree in Maritime History from Eastern Carolina.
Richard was a prehistoric, historic, and maritime archaeologist for over 30 years. He was a longtime member, board member, and past president of the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida, the local chapter of the Florida Anthropological Society. He worked on excavations of the Miami Circle, as well as oversaw and monitored the construction of the Miami Circle Park. Most recently, Richard was field director for the archaeological excavations of the Deering Estate and a team member in the 2017-18 phase II excavations.
Richard was a self-taught musician, learning guitar at a young age. He excelled in guitar and bass guitar and was learning mandolin and ukulele. He was a voracious reader and was knowledgeable in several subjects. He was a creative and enthusiastic participant in Halloween and loved Christmas, dressing-up as Santa and watching “A Christmas Story” numerous times each year.
Richard was a fixture at Captain Dick’s and Grove Key Marina in Coconut Grove FL. His passion for sailing, scuba diving, swimming and all things maritime continued throughout his life. He was a beautiful writer. His love of the North Carolina coast made him a frequent visitor to the state.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents. He was a dedicated and loyal son and caretaker of his Italian mother, Dorothy Giorgio Haiduven. She imparted much of her cooking knowledge on him and accounted for his dark good looks. He enjoyed his extended family of cousins. Richard is survived by his sisters, Donna Haiduven (spouse-Michael Gronquist) and Debra Haiduven (spouse-Eloisa Montes).
Those who knew Richard understood that he could be both cantankerous and extremely caring. His twisted sense of humor and lack of brevity was not appreciated by all, but this did not deter his efforts to make people laugh! His generosity toward neighbors in need was evident as he often jumped in to help clear debris following storms in the area. He liked animals more than most people, serving as a loving and capable uncle to his sisters’ and close friends’ dogs. He will be deeply missed by many who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life event will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 12 noon at Pinecrest Gardens in the Hibiscus Gallery, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest (Miami) Florida, 33156.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Richard Haiduven’s name to Everglades Outpost 35601 SW 192nd Avenue or online at https://www.evergladesoutpost.org/donate/#Outpost
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/richard-haiduven-8026706
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