Richard “Buzz” Paul Hankey, 89, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. He was born in Great Barrington on August 25, 1933 to Charles and Martha (Smith) Hankey.
Richard worked as a plant foreman at Specialty Minerals (Pfizers), retiring in 1995. After his retirement, he spent his days working at the Sheffield Transfer Station and for his brother, Norm, at his excavating business.
Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 350, and he loved auto racing. Many people watched “Bad” Buzz Hankey #13 at Lebannon Valley Speedway. Later in life, he raced with the Senior Tour Auto Racers and New England Antique Racers.
“Buzz,” as he was better known, loved golfing, Nascar, a good cigar, country music, and bringing his ’32 Dodge and ’62 Mercury to local car shows. His greatest love was spending time with his family, enjoying a burnt hot dog, and supervising from the sidelines.
Richard is survived by his wife, Tolitha; his sister, Sue; and all of his loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other beloved family members.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Daniel, Charles, Irving, Jesse, William, Norman, Viola, and Emma.
Services will be on Saturday, March 25 at 11 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the American Heart Association in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
