Henry Richard, a resident of Copiague for 40 years, and a veteran, died of cancer March 4, 2001. He was 62 years old. He was described by his family as a man who was giving and loving, and whose life was dedicated to doing things for other people.

"He was a giver, not a taker," said his wife Nancy of 43 years.

Mr. Richard was born and raised in Valhalla, New York and attended schools in New Rochelle. Following his marriage, he and his wife moved first to West Islip and then to Copiague where they raised their family.

In 1955, Mr. Richard joined the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, he worked professionally as a field supervisor for Gifford Fuel Oil Co., in Floral Park. He was also a motorcycle repairman for Harley Davidson and an avid biker and race car driver. He joined the Biker runs for Toys for Tots at Christmas every year, said his family, and he also enjoyed fishing and scuba diving.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Richard is survived by his children: Arnold of Middle Island; Nancy and her husband Craig Dutton of Copiague; James of Copiague, Barbara and her husband Christopher England, and Henry of Copiague. Six sisters and four brothers also survive him, as do his ten grandchildren.

"My father was a man who was always there to help someone who needed it," said his daughter. "He would plow the driveways and sidewalks of his neighbors following snow storms, and fix people’s oil burners. And he took care of the elderly around the neighborhood."

Mr. Richard reposed at the D’Andrea Brothers Funeral Home, 99 Oak St., Copiague. A chapel service was held March 7, followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx.