Richard G. Rothaupt
November 20, 1954 – April 15, 2024
Richard G. Rothaupt, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 15, 2024. His departure was a sudden and profound loss and is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others. Born on November 20, 1954, in Albany, NY, he was the beloved son of the late Robert and Jacquelyn Marshall Rothaupt. A 1973 Colonie Central High School graduate, “Rich” excelled in the trades. He began an accomplished career as a technician in various trades (appliances, trailers, and autobody) and ultimately became an engineering technician at IBM for many years before taking early retirement. A gifted athlete, he played volleyball in the US Volleyball Association and for a short time on the beaches of California before returning home. It was then he met Krystal, his forever love and wife of 44 years, literally on the volleyball court.
Rich was the true definition of a “jack of all trades” and master of more. A hardworking man with a commitment to quality and a zest for learning new things, primarily self-taught, he could fix or build anything as long as he had the tools required. He had a passion for cars and an ongoing project building a 1940 Ford Street rod and also helped his son build race cars. A devoted family man, he took his family on many adventures in their RV from the time his children were toddlers. Rich also loved the outdoors and was an avid snowmobiler and fisherman. Always willing to lend a hand, he coached many youth baseball and hockey teams and grew to love the game of hockey, which he also played. He was still skating and teaching the next generation of hockey players, his grandchildren, until his untimely death.
Taken too soon, Rich is survived by his wife Krystal, his son Brad (Lauren) Rothaupt, his daughter Carley (Brandon) Sanders, his grandchildren Bryce, Quinn, and Reid, his mother-in-law Doris Lookabaugh, and his brother Ronald Rothaupt, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. A proud Papa, he was also excited for another grandson, expected in a few weeks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and David Rothaupt.
The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the sport that he loved at the USA Hockey Foundation, usahockeyfoundation.com, which promotes the growth of hockey in the United States, or to the charity of your choice.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are under the care of Burnett and White Funeral Homes, 7641 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571.
