Obituary of Richard D. Gainer

Richard D. Gainer (“Dick”) passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend to many. Dick was born on November 19, 1947 in New Hyde Park, New York to the late Albert and Mary Gainer. He graduated from Great Neck South High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from New York University and a Master of Science in Sanitary Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York. He also served in the United States Army. Dick worked for New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection for many years, before retiring as the Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply and Wastewater Collection. Dick will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Joanne, and their children, Jacqueline and her husband Marc Ashenberg, Richard Jr. and his wife Susanne, and Heather and her husband Brian Huribal. Dick will also be forever cherished by his six grandchildren, Richard, Blake, John, Taylor, Aiden and Annabelle, his brothers Albert Jr., Ronald, and Gary, his sister MaryAnn, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joanne’s sisters Kathleen and Helen and brother-in-law Brian have provided Dick and his family with endless love and support. Dick was never a spectator, always very active and a perfectionist in everything he did. He enjoyed playing sports, helped anyone and everyone, figured out a solution to every problem and could make or build anything. Dick was kind, thoughtful, generous, intelligent and so very loved. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Harbor House in Oyster Bay who provided such kindness and loving care to Dick. Funeral services will be private. A memorial mass and celebration of Dick’s life will be scheduled at a future date.