Richard Frank Hague

Richard Frank Hague was born in New Brunswick, NJ, on Feb. 3, 1943, to Hector and Annette Hague. After running amuck in New Brunswick as a kid, he moved to Edison in his high school years and became a member of the first graduating class of Edison High School, in 1960. He distinguished himself in athletics winning varsity letters in both basketball and football, which translated into coaching years later.

Richard earned his bachelors and masters degrees in elementary education from Trenton State College. He taught in Edison, grades 5 though 8, in the areas of science, math, and computer literacy. In 1970, Richard began his career at Piscatawaytown School #3. He enjoyed the next 13 years teaching the children of friends and neighbors he had grown up with in that part of town. He also, at this time, began his coaching career as assistant footbal coach at Herbert Hoover Junior High School. He coached 43 seasons in Edison, including football, track, basketball and baseball. He also coached in South Brunswick, Middlesex County College and Upsala College. Richard was the kind of coach whose whole heart was in it. He touched the lives of many athletes throughout his coaching career. As the Edison school system evolved, Richard did too. He taught at Herbert Hoover, serving as science department chair; Washington School, where he earned the Governor's Teacher Recognition Award in 1992; and at Lindeneau School where he served as a Curriculum Resource Teacher. Richard would say, "I don't think I could have found a better career." Being a coach and teacher affords one the opportunity to interact with students and their families, generation after generation. Over his 36 year career it can be said, with certainty, that Mr. Hague or Coach Hague had a tremendous impact on the lives of his students and their families. Richard was well-suited for this career as he was heartfelt in his actions, dedicated in his work, sincere, caring, charismatic, diligent, reliable, loving, and an all around great guy!

Richard enjoyed all sports, including bowling, golfing, fishing and shooting. He belonged to Wax-O- Bee shooting club and participating in the 4H Sharp Shooters Club with his grandchildren. He had a love of nature, history and his country, visiting many state parks and historic sites. He enjoyed star-gazing and bird watching. He could always point out Orion for you in the sky, or pull over sharply on a highway to see a bird, expecially an eagle. He was an Edison Eagle at heart.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Carol (Macan) Hague; his brother David Hague; his three children and their spouses Dawn and George Medina of North Brunswick, Diane and Dan Gavin of East Brunswick and Richard and Amanda Hague of Martinsburg, West Virginia; and his nine grandchildren Jacob Willis, Melanie Willis, Nicholas Hague, Safia Elmezyen, Aya Elmezyen, Katherine Gavin, Madeline Gavin, Maisie Hague and Keelyn Hague.

Memorial Services will take place on Saturday, November 9, 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Dayton. 362 Georges Road, Dayton, NJ. All are welcome to attend. Repass to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Richard's nephew's organization Villages in Partnership, PO Box 52, Allentown, NJ 08501 (villagesinpartnership.org).