Former Hicksville Water District Commissioner Richard A. Humann Passes Away at 81

It is with a heavy heart that the Hicksville Water District announces the passing of former Commissioner Richard A. Humann on June 7 at the age of 81. A lifelong Hicksville resident, he served on the District’s Board of Commissioners for 24 years, playing a crucial part in the protection of his community’s drinking water throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community.

“I had the honor of working with Commissioner Humann for decades, serving as Hicksville Water District Superintendent for the last 10 years of his tenure on the Board,” said HWD Chairman William Schuckmann. “Having worked in the District since the 1970s, I have seen many Commissioners come and go, and I can safely say that Rich was one of the most dedicated and passionate of them all. The Hicksville community has lost one of its great members and we at the District will miss him dearly.”

Born on October 6, 1944, Richard A. Humann lived in Hicksville all his life, graduating from Hicksville High School in 1962. He married Elizabeth (Bette) Weldon in 1964, settling down on Summer Lane before having their four children: Lisa, Richard W., Gina and Lori. He worked for the United States Postal Service for his entire 37-year career, starting off as a letter carrier and moving all the way up the ranks to Postmaster of the Jericho Post Office before retiring in 2000.

Commissioner Humann was elected to the HWD Board of Commissioners in 1984 with the mission to provide safe, high-quality drinking water service to his thousands of neighbors. Throughout his tenure, he helped oversee the implementation of new treatment systems at 14 of the District’s 16 wells. Notably, he was able to secure a long-term lease with the Towns of Oyster Bay and Hempstead for a property on Plainview Road, allowing the District to erect another well that would eventually turn into Plant 11. Upon his retirement from the Board in 2008, the District dedicated Plant 11 in his name to honor his legacy.

A steadfast advocate for his community, Commissioner Humann’s public service efforts throughout Hicksville extended far past his role at the HWD. He was a member of the Hicksville Fire Department Volunteer Hose Company 4 for 60 years, as well as the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and Hicksville Community Council. He also served on the church council at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and volunteered his time as a local girls’ soccer coach.

Commissioner Humann is survived by his wife, Bette, his four children, seven grandchildren, extended family and countless friends and colleagues from throughout the Hicksville community and beyond. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that those who wish to honor his memory consider donating to the memorial fund at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.