Dang Rick!

Didn’t realize you were dead.

Best memories with you include racing and crashing our boats on Conesus Lake and hanging with you and Chin Lamendola and your band. 

Rest In Peace bro.

Pete Stickney

Rick was a year ahead of me in the sixties at Norte Dame in Batavia. We were friends but I was closer to his sister, Mary. He was a great ball-buster. His cracks always had us laughing under the watchful eye of stern nuns! Once at a Batavia theatre everybody was there for a third rate horror movie. I spotted Rick and his group a couple rows over. Just as the creature was closing in Haitz howls out “YAHHHH ITS GOTTT MEEEE,” Well everyone around just cracks up! That sent an usher down our aisle with his flashlight. We all just slunk down in our seats. Classic Rick. Godspeed my friend and fellow musician. -Wally Kowalik.

Being the youngest often of my cousins, I looked up to so many of them, but I saw things from a young girls point of view. I babysat for Rick and Kathy, I’m not even sure where they lived at the time but they were both like movie stars to me. They were in a league all their own. Now my brother Michael could travel in their league and older siblings but I was just a distant admirer. Funny no matter how old you get that little girl admiration carried on for my older cousins. The Haitz boys were all so talented, bright, witty, intense. Rick was a sweet, gentle soul, fiery artist, funny, and always had time to greet me wherever I ran into him a reunion or a bar where him and Marry would play. He cared for everyone in a room. When I think of Rick my heart just melts because inside he just seemed like a gentle man. I know you must all be so sad and mourn the big hole he leaves in your life. I am grateful for the way he cared for a little pipsqueek cousin who he always came up to , included, smiled at and made me feel welcomed. My heart is sad for his family.

Not sure my post was saved but wanted Ricks kids and their mom to know I am so sorry for your loss Great memories of my cousin. Many fun nights out in clubs where he was performing. I had such admiration for his immense talent. The energy he brought to every performance was full throttle ...amazing. While he could full tilt a Jerry Lee he always crushed me with a ballad incredible voice and a full heart he poured into his music. I always remember him laughing , his sharp wit and impish grin . Thank you Rick for sharing these powerful gifts ! Sending love to all of you that will miss him most

Dear wonderful,creative fun Haitz family. I have such precious memories of times I spent with you all. I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Ricky. Your mom will be happy to see Rickys warm smile and twinkling eyes. My sisters and I were his “groupies” ,,,we used to drive to Buffalo to hear him play. We spent at least two NYE dancing the night away . Much love and peace to all of you.
Nancy (Korb ) Talbot 💜

Please accept my sincerest condolences to the entire family. I have known Rick about 55 years!! He had the most amazing sense of humor and was so handsome and talented. From what I understand, his family carries on his artistic legacy. He will surely be missed by many. I will keep you all in my prayers. Love and God bless you all.

Oh I am so sorry for all of you for your loss. I loved , loved Rick . He was so fun, funny ,so gentle , handsome ,kind . I used to love to go to visit all the Haitzs but Ricky was close in age and I loved to be privileged to hang in his band room when our family visited which was often ! Always had so much fun and Ricky was always so kind to me. Followed him around everywhere he played in Batavia , Syracuse , Rochester. He was a sweet, gentle soul. I am sure you are all very sad and I hope you can feel all the joy he gave to others in his singing , and goodness! Aunt Lou will love seeing him if Uncle Dick doesn’t put his foot down and say alright “The Party’s Over”.

Oh my dear brother 💔😢. I have so many stories I don’t know where to begin. He could make me laugh at anything. I got to thank him for launching my singing career and for making me laugh like no one else could. When we played out we were unstoppable. Harmonized beautifully, got the whole place singing and dancing like no other could. What an entertainer! When it came to music, he
was a tough taskmaster that I and his sons can attest to.But he was always supportive.
He loved babies, especially his own. He could be both gentle and caustic with his humor (he liked Rodney Dangerfield) . He loved movies, and cars (driving them, fixing them, detailing them). He loved family..his own& his grandchildren & the one he was born into, and cousins, tons of cousins! He was always very proud of his kids and their accomplishments . Like all of us Haitz’s, he loved hard & played hard. He was also a very gentle spirit which a lot of folks didn’t know. He always hand wrote thank you notes, which doesn’t happen much these days. He was rather philosophical too.
...and handsome! He had so many ladies that adored him, but he was true blue and only had one true love til the end of his days. I am crushed by the thought of not being around him and talking with him. He’d call at the weirdest hours. I’ll miss that too. I could go on & on , there is just so much I remember. He’s had a profound impact in my life. Another light in my life has gone out. I love you Ricky and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be with him shortly before he died.

He was a "Traveling Minstrel";
He rocked it in Batavia, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse New York.
Sandusky & Fremont Ohio.
Los Angeles, California.
Sarasota, Florida.
His keyboard ability was superlative and his vocal range unmatched!!
He could cover any artist as well or better than the original from Tom Jones to Jerry Lee to Elton, John Billy Joel and James Brown!!!
Disco, Blues, Soul, Rock, Country, Love Songs & Ballads!
He did it "HIS WAY"
Unbelieveable talent and even though I was his brother, I was like a Groupie, following him around the country to all his venues, dancing as if nobody's watching.
He would always "Bring Down The House!!!"
Love you Rick, and I hope they have a Keyboard, not just harps in Heaven!!!
Brother Greg

I will never forget the fun times at your house in Batavia and the cottage (hotel) on Conesus. I've relived those memories so many times. Staying up late, sitting in front of the fireplace. Sneaking all kinds of things!!! Laughing and laughing. Once we brought up our record of "Great Balls of Fire" and Rick had to have it. He was in love with that song from the time it came out. I forget what the record label was but he loved it. And once we came to Sarasota when he was playing solo there and it was so wonderful. He took a break with us at our table and his smile lit up the room. The next day he called to thank us for coming. We were the ones who owed him thanks, it was wonderful to hear him play and sing!!! What a loss.

My condolences to the entire family. Rick provided many very happy moments for anyone that knew him or ever saw him perform. RIP

Rockin’ Rick Gong Show Performance