Richard A. Hagenbuch, Sr. Service Information

Richard Allen Hagenbuch, Sr. (Dick), passed away peacefully in his home on September 13, 2021. Dick was born to Ella (nee Messinger) and Oliver Hagenbuch on August 18, 1931 in Palmerton, PA. He shared stories of walking over hills to visit family, along train tracks to town, and gathering around the pot belly stove that warmed their home to listen to the radio at night when he was young. At age nine, he boarded a train to Philadelphia with his mom and siblings to join his father who had moved there at the start of WWII to work at the Navy Yard. After the initial shock of city life wore off, Dick found enjoyment from going to ball games at Shibe Park and paying 10 cents to watch the newsreels before the picture shows on Saturdays. He took a great interest in stock car racing and figuring out how things worked. Dick had originally wanted to be a mechanic after taking up auto mechanics at Dobbins High School. His parents had been introduced to a contractor at a Christmas party who happened to be looking for additional workers. His parents did not pass the opportunity to get their son a job. This chance meeting laid the foundation for Dick’s career in carpentry. Dick showed up to the job site the following week and, according to him, quickly impressed the contractor with his aptitude as a carpenter. In time, he opened Hagenbuch Contractors and grew the business to be a staple in the Port Richmond neighborhood for over 50 years. He took such pride in his craftsmanship and being of service to customers. So many life lessons were learned with Dick while spending time in the workshop, driving in the truck, or helping on jobs. By watching him, he instilled the values of hard work, creativity, determination, and, importantly, to treat others with respect. He always left things better than he found them in his work and in his life. A set up by friends at Nick’s Luncheonette on Allegheny Ave. brought his dear Bernie into his life and they married on September 22, 1956. He loved her beyond measure for over 50 years. Bernie and Dick created a home on Salmon Street with their children that was filled with music, laughter, and love. Dick never let an opportunity pass to say, “My family is my legacy and my greatest joy.” His love of his family was palpable and his family cherished him in return. Dick was a long time member of the Polish American String Band. He was prop master for many years, designing innovative pieces that pioneered what has come up Broad Street for decades since. His son and grandsons have since followed in his footsteps. In 2015, he was awarded the Philadelphia Mummer’s String Band Association ‘Man Behind the Scenes’ Award for his ingenuity and dedication. After 90 vibrant years, this charming and incredibly dynamic man has gone to eternal rest. He is predeceased by his parents Ella and Oliver Hagenbuch, siblings Donald Hagenbuch (Joan), Bernice Madden (Jay), Judy Mayer, and granddaughter Jaclyn Marie Magenta. He has longed to be reunited with his beloved wife Bernice (nee Sarzynski) since her passing in 2008. At last, they are together again dancing in heaven. Dick is the loving father of Richard Jr. (Tracy), Christina Magenta (Stanley), David Hagenbuch (Gloria), Pamela Krajewski (Thomas), and Nancy Krajewski (Steven). His zest for life and abounding spirit lives on in his 10 cherished grandchildren and their partners. ‘Silly Crazy Pop Pop’ was adored by his 4 great grandchildren. He was eagerly awaiting the birth of his 5th later this Fall. Dick leaves behind his dear siblings Bruce (Buzz) Hagenbuch (Marge), and Jacqueline Esposito, along with many nieces and nephews. Dick was blessed to have a life surrounded by countless wonderful friendships, many of which have spanned decades. He will be deeply missed by all those who love him. Always at the ready with his quick wit and comedic timing, Dick was certainly one of a kind. He left a lasting impression on all those he met. Charismatic as he was, he will be missed the most in the small moments that now have become precious memories. The family thanks everyone for the abundant outpouring of love and support. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Friday, September 17th, 2021, from 6 to 8PM and again Saturday, September 18th, from 8:30 - 10am at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 9304 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19115. Funeral Services will follow at 10am in the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Our Lady Of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Polish American String Band, 2727 E. Westmoreland St. Philadelphia, PA 19134.

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