Richard Lafferty

Richard Lafferty age 74 of Fort Wayne passed away surrounded by family on March 5, 2023.   Richard
was born April 27, 1948 to Raymond “Pat” & Evelyn (Howison) Lafferty.  He grew up on the family farm
in Somonauk Illinois.  Richard moved to Indiana in 1970.  Over the years he worked on the radio at WGL,
WQHK and WAJI as Dick James.  Richard volunteered at the Historic Old Fort as John Walsh the chicken
thief, a role he loved to do, getting to play his dulcimer and use an Irish accent. He worked in the service
department of Poinsette’s while going to IPFW and graduated with a bachelors in computer science.  He
was a big Purdue fan and never missed watching a football or basketball game. In his retirement he had
the best years of his life working at Wild Birds Unlimited and ushering at the Memorial Coliseum.  He
loved meeting and talking with everyone he met.  He had a dad joke for every occasion.
Richard is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rita (Bly) Lafferty.  His children Jennifer (Keith) Lafferty, Greg
(Lee Frinzi) Lafferty, and Katie (Nick Donahoo) Lafferty.  His grandchildren Karissa McMenamy, Rachel
(Jared) Warncke and Colin Donahoo. Great-grandchildren Riley Nesmith and Oliver Warncke.  His
brothers Mike Lafferty and Pat Lafferty as well as many nieces, nephews and many other beloved family
and friends.

A celebration of life open house will be held April 2nd from 12pm to 2pm in the Century Club Room at
the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

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