Obituary of Richard O Bauman

Age 73, of Elmira, NY, Passed away unexpectedly in his home on Monday, January 8th, 2024, due to a heart attack. Richard was born in Montour Falls, NY on August 30th, 1950, to the late Oakley Richard and Margarette Pound Bauman.

Richard graduated from Watkins Glen HS in 1968 and went on to Alfred State College, graduating with an HVAC degree. After college, Richard went to live in Rochester, NY, working at Strong Memorial Hospital where he met Beverley Ann Estes. Richard and Beverley were married in 1972 and moved to Odessa, NY in 1973. Richard then opened Bauman Appliance on Main Street in Odessa. After Richard was introduced to R/C airplanes by some of the locals in the area and learned to fly. Shortly after the appliance store was transitioned into a hobby store primarily and became D&B Hobby. Richard made many local lifetime friends in the hobby industry and taught many people to fly and build airplanes while supporting flying clubs, 4-H and Boy Scouts. After Richard and Beverley divorced, he ran the store until he closed it in the mid 2000’s. Richard was an avid photographer and loved all forms of aviation and auto racing. After closing D&B Hobby, Richard was able to turn his lifetime passions into a profession, taking photos at many sporting events, air shows and racetracks all over the world.

Richard is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (James) Chase and grandchildren Cody, Landen, Lindsey, Alyssa and Alex of Windsor, NY; son Christopher (Nicole) Bauman and grandchildren Mackinley, Grady and Griffin of Indianapolis, IN; brothers Patrick (Melissa) Bauman and Steven Bauman; brother-in-law Charlie Haeffner; nieces and nephews Jonathan, David and William Haeffner, Leisl (Kevin) Moriarty, Trevor (Elise) Bauman and Jordyn (Sherry) Hazelton-Mohr; many great nieces and nephews; special friend Linda Harnas; and many friends that he loved or considered family. Richard was predeceased by his parents; sister Susan Haeffner; and brother William Bauman.

At this time there are no services planned. Per Richard’s wishes, when the weather is warmer, there will be a party to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to:

•      International Motor Racing Research Center, 610 S Decatur St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, (607) 535-9044

•      National Warplane Museum, 3489 Big Tree Lane, Geneseo, NY 14454, (585) 243-2100

•      Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee