Richard Huopana
Richard Orville Huopana (Dick), 96, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Croasdaile Village in Durham, NC. Dick was born to Orville Huopana and Lillian (Kinner Huopana) Peters in Endicott, New York.
He graduated from Spencer High School (NY), then enlisted in the US Army, ultimately serving as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant. He continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves.
Upon completing active duty, he married Barbara Alice Adams in 1952. Dick and Barbara welcomed 3 daughters into their family. He designed and built their family home on Bornt Hill in Endicott.
Dick’s college studies included drafting and engineering. He was hired by IBM in Endicott initially as a draftsman, rising to the role of Senior Engineer, specializing in manufacturing engineering in both professional and managerial capacities. In 1967, his career with IBM took him and his family to Boca Raton, Florida, where he worked on the inception and launch of IBM’s Personal Computer product line.
Dick became interested in Boca Raton’s local government, initially serving on its Planning and Zoning Board. He became involved in Citizens for Reasonable Growth, a grassroots organization aimed at preserving the town’s environment and controlling its building density. Dick served on the City Council and was elected Mayor of Boca Raton, serving between 1974 and 1977. He also served on Palm Beach County's Area Planning Board and on the Environmental Policy Committees of both the Florida League of Cities and the National League of Cities.
Along with raising his family, working at IBM and politics, Dick enjoyed playing golf and handball, and was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins during the Don Shula era. He also enjoyed boating and enjoyed taking his friends and family (often “the northern visitors”) on fishing trips in his boat.
After a 37 year career at IBM, Dick retired in 1987. In 1988, he and Barbara relocated to North Carolina to be closer to family, which by then included their young grandchildren. He designed and built their home in Hillsborough, NC.
An avid and talented writer, Dick wrote editorial columns that were regularly published in the Durham Herald Sun and Raleigh News & Observer. The topics were varied, but often focused on governmental matters, particularly the federal debt, about which he was very well versed and opinionated.
Dick and Barbara were also active members at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Hillsborough.
After Barbara passed away in 1999, Dick eventually moved to Croasdaile Village in Durham, NC in July, 2008. At Croasdaile, Dick met his future partner, Carol Kirby. We extend thanks and gratitude to Carol for loving and providing companionship to our family patriarch.
Dick is survived by his daughters, Christie Weatherly and Diane Thomas; grandchildren Galen (Caroline), and Chelsea Smith; great-grandchildren; and partner of 8 years, Carol Kirby; all of the local area.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, George Huopana; daughter, Patti Huopana; and granddaughter, Colleen Weatherly.
The family appreciates the support provided by his caregivers at the Croasdaile Village Pavilion during Dick’s final months.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.