Kattskill Bay, NY – Richard A. Baetens, 72, (September 9, 1945-December 6, 2017) passed away at Glens Falls Hospital in the early morning hours of Wednesday December 6th, 2017 following a short illness.
Richard was born at Glens Falls Hospital and was the son of the late Adrian J. and Laura Baetens. He grew up surrounded by his loving family between Gloversville, NY and Lake George New York. Richard graduated from Castleton State College in Vermont with B.S in Education. Richard settled in Westfield, MA where he started a family with Lois Baetens, and they had 3 daughters. Richard continued his education at Westfield State College earning a M.S in Education. He was employed with the Springfield Public School System and most notably enjoyed his years teaching astronomy in the planetarium at The New North School now known as Germane Gerana Community School. Richard retired from teaching in 2000. In addition to teaching, Richard was co-owner of restaurant/ bar Simons in downtown Westfield. Richard was also involved in the Westfield community, coaching his daughter’s youth softball team for several seasons. He was an avid basketball player and enjoyed playing in the Western Mass Men’s Basketball leagues. He also enjoyed competing in the Westfield pool leagues. Upon retirement,Richard enjoyed gathering with friends for coffee at local establishments such as Little Georges and Andy’s Variety as well as Bean’s Country Store near his home in Lake George, NY. Richard followed Giants Football, New York Yankees Baseball, and Celtics and UMASS basketball teams. Richard retired at his family property in Lake George and enjoyed spending time with friends and family while swimming or boating. He was spectacular at providing the most thrilling tubing ride around Elizabeth Island.
Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Reverend Nelson and Helen Crossman of Lake George NY. Richard is survived by his three daughters: Sara Young and her husband Brian Young of Putney VT, Wendi Hieronymus and her husband Paul Hieronymus and their 3 children Hilde, Harold and Henry, of Gofftown, NH and Mollie Silenga and her husband Eric Silenga and their 2 daughters Gwenaelle and Lynette of Westfield, MA. Richard also leaves behind his long time friend and companion Cindy Elderkin of West Springfield, MA and their dogs Lizzy and Kaleb. Interment and services will be held in New York at Fort Edward Union Cemetery in Spring of 2018, for friends and family to be announced at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Radloff Funeral Home Inc. Glens Falls.
