Richard Hoist was born on May 19‚ 1949 in Rockville Center‚ New York. He was the third son of Martha and Henry Holst. He was educated in the Uniondale Public School system and after graduating high school attended Nassau Community College.

Rich began his career of service in the United States Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga‚ an aircraft carrier assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. Rich was a ‘yellow shirt‚’ working on the flight deck of the ship‚ directing fighter jets in for safe landings on the deck. Rich’s tour of duty with the Navy began in June of 1968 and ended in April 1972‚ during the Vietnam War.

After returning home from the service‚ Rich married his high school sweetheart‚ Noreen‚ on October 6‚ 1973. He also began his 36 year career with the utility company‚ Long Island Lighting Co.‚ now known as National Grid‚ that very same year. By 1976 Rich and his wife had settled in Huntington Station.

1978 was a milestone year for Rich‚ as he joined the Huntington Manor Fire Department‚ following in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter. Rich’s father‚ Henry‚ served in the Uniondale Fire Department rising to the rank of Chief. Rich was a dedicated 31 year member of Huntington Manor. For 26 consecutive years‚ Rich was elected to the office of Chaplain of the Department and was also serving as the Captain of the Fire Police. It was his role as Chaplain that earned him the name ‘The Rev.’ That nickname was lovingly embraced by his fellow firefighters‚ Rich’s coworkers and even his personal friends. His license plate reflected his fondness for it‚ HMFD REV.

Rich was a member of many firematic organizations outside his own department. He was a longtime member of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains and in 2008 was elected Chief Chaplain. Rich’s service to the people of New York went beyond his dedication to the residents of Huntington Station; his eminent position as Chief Chaplain meant that he served each and every firefighter in the great Empire State.

Rich had a commitment to excellence and a spirit of humanity and compassion. He was a courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to his family and community. He was passionate about his chaplaincy‚ looking after his department‚ its’ members and their families‚ and firefighters and chaplains throughout New York State.

Richard Holst leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended and to his proud and loving family. He is deeply‚ sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched.