Longtime Morristown EMT Richard Hathaway Dies Suddenly

Hathaway was remembered as a compassionate, devoted, and deeply respected member of the community.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Richard Hathaway, a longtime EMT and paramedic in Morristown, New Jersey, died unexpectedly on January 26, 2026. Hathaway dedicated most of his life to patient care, primarily as a paramedic, and was known for his calm demeanor and dedication to helping others. He began as a volunteer EMT with the Morristown Rescue Squad before becoming an emergency room technician and later earning multiple honors and certifications as a paramedic, including a recent flight paramedic certification.

Why it matters

Hathaway's sudden passing has left a void in the Morristown medical community, where he was widely respected and admired for his compassionate care and commitment to his profession. His death highlights the critical role that EMTs and paramedics play in providing emergency medical services, often under stressful and high-pressure situations.

The details

According to his obituary, Hathaway 'dedicated the vast majority of his life to patient care, primarily in the pre-hospital setting as a paramedic.' He was known for his calming presence, with the obituary stating that 'a sense of calm would come over anyone that needed help when Richard was around.' Hathaway's colleagues at Morristown Medical Center also paid tribute to him, describing him as 'a truly amazing person' who 'lit up the room whenever he walked in' and 'cared deeply for all of his patients.'

  • Richard Hathaway died on Monday, January 26, 2026.

The players

Richard Hathaway

A longtime EMT and paramedic in Morristown, New Jersey, who dedicated most of his life to patient care and was known for his calm demeanor and compassionate approach to his work.

Morristown Medical Center

The hospital where Hathaway worked as an emergency room technician and where his colleagues paid tribute to him after his passing.

Morristown Rescue Squad

The volunteer EMT organization where Hathaway began his service before becoming a paramedic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Many of our residents had the privilege of working with Rich on a daily basis – whether that would be on EMS ride-alongs or meeting him in the room whenever he brought a patient in.”

— Morristown Medical Center

“Rich was a truly amazing person. He lit up the room whenever he walked in. He cared deeply for all of his patients and loved to both teach and learn at every opportunity he got.”

— Morristown Medical Center

“We will miss you Rich. And we can't thank you enough for your years of service and the impact you've had on our residents and department as a whole.”

— Morristown Medical Center

The takeaway

Hathaway's sudden passing is a tragic loss for the Morristown community, where he was widely respected and admired for his compassionate care and commitment to his profession as an EMT and paramedic. His death highlights the critical role that emergency medical personnel play in providing life-saving services, often under stressful and high-pressure situations.