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DAOUST-Richard J., suddenly on April 1, 2001 of Deer Park, age 54. Dedicated Teacher and Coach of Bellmore-Merrick School District for over 33 years. Beloved husband of Mary Ann. Devoted father of Michelle Kaddar and her husband Mohamed, Danielle and Suzanne. Dearest son of Donald and Ann Daoust. Dear brother of Mary Jane Sumner. Loving son-in-law of George and Sophie Kassick. Fond brother-in-law of Georgette Kassick. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Reposing at Mangano Funeral Home Inc., 1701 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park Wednesday and Thursday 2-5 & 7-9:30 PM. Funeral Mass Friday 9:15 AM Ss. Cyril & Methodius R.C. Church. Interment St. Charles Cemetery.
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Kathy Meer (Tolien)
I found this obituary in Rich's hometown paper archives:
Richard Daoust of Deer Park, a teacher at Bellmore-Kennedy High School for 33 years, loved his work, so much so that his students and colleagues nicknamed him "Mr. Kennedy." He was the kind of teacher who changed lives, giving hundreds, even thousands of young people perspective, direction, hope.
Mr. Daoust died suddenly of a heart attack on April 1, shocking the Kennedy High School community. He was 54 years old and only three months from retirement in June.
At Kennedy, he had excelled as an educator in and out of the classroom. He taught Advanced Placement government and economics. For 27 years, he was also Kennedy's boys soccer coach.
More than 500 family members, friends and current and former students recently mourned Mr. Daoust during funeral services at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Deer Park.
Mr. Daoust's mother, Ann Daoust of Baldwin, said her son always wanted to become a teacher when in school himself. "He found [education] very rewarding. He made it interesting. On spring break, his students would always come back to visit him. He would get e-mail from all over. He recently got an e-mail from Sarasota, Fla., from a student of his during the 1970s."
Mr. Daoust was born on Long Island and grew up in Buffalo, graduating high school there. As a student, "he was always into sports," said his mother. "Living in Buffalo, he played a lot of ice hockey. He was captain of the basketball team, a pitcher for the baseball team in high school. He was very sports-minded."
After high school, Mr. Daoust moved with family to Baldwin and entered St. John's University, where he completed his bachelor's degree. He also received a master's degree from Hofstra University and returned to school each summer, mostly to SUNY Stony Brook, to earn additional college credits.
Pat Gugino (Pepe)
What a wonderful man. Remember him so well. So sad to be gone too soon.
John Flynn
Rich Daust played on a summer league baseball team that I was on, if memory serves me the name was McMurry Builders Const. Mr. Smith, Neil's Dad, was our manager. What I remember about that team was the fun we had and the pure joy of playing baseball with friends. I lost track of Rich after high school, but it seems like he had a rich and full life blessed with Family, Friends and Career. He will be missed at the reunion. RIP Richie.
Robert Mioducki
Rich and his family moved to Kenmore right before our Junior year, I beleive. I was fortunate to meet Rich early in the school year because of my daily walk with friends to West. Mike Lods, Butch Allen, Jim Godrey, and Bill McGaffin would leave their homes on Lowell and Hampton, cross Elmwood to June and pick me up. We'd cross Delaware at Chatsworth, and Rich would join us. I have to believe, since Mike and Rich played varsity basketball that junior year, take it was Mike that got Rich to join us each morning. At the corner of Chatsworth and Delaware road, IF WE WERE LUCKY, Cheri Hobart would join us!
Through junior and senior years, Rich was well known for his basketball and baseball skills, and of course, the ladies all loved him! But never once would you hear anything from Rich referring to his athletic skills or good looks - he was one of the most unassuming, humble people I ever met. And he was quick to be your friend and give you support.
After high school, I think all of us lost track of Rich. He surprized us by returning to the 25th reunion in 1989 at the Holiday Inn on Grand Island. I have a great group picture of Rich and five of us I'd like to post here, but don't see an attachment link. Rest in Peace, our Friend.
Ron Wheeler
In a note from John Boughton he says: I am late to the conversation on this. Rich was the best boy and coolest kid. We had so much fun. I loved him as a friend and teammate. Alot of stories.