Entertainer, composer and popular country recording artist of the 40's and 50's, Richard T. Goldhahn ("Dick Thomas") passed away quietly in his sleep on Saturday, 22 November, 2003, at the age of 88, at Abington Memorial hospital's Hospice Care Unit following a lengthy struggle with coronary heart disease.
The devoted husband of 54 years of the late Maria R. Goldhahn (nee McGarrigan), Richard was born (4 Sept. 1915) and raised on a farm in the old "meadows" section of Southwest Philadelphia. Graduating from West Phila. H.S. in 1934, he followed a career of music and entertainment as "Dick Thomas". After serving a stint for his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, he continued his recording and entertainment career up through 1987, retiring then to provide fulltime care for his beloved Maria ("Mickey"), who passed away in 1989.
Dick's recording career spanned approximately twenty years, debuting with the release of eight singles on the Musicraft label in 1944. He was best known for his cross-over country hit, "Sioux City Sue", which he composed and recorded in Feb, 1945. The song achieved worldwide acclaim and became a standard cover tune of the day (recorded by Bing Crosby among others), as well as the title song for Gene Autrey's 1946 movie by the same name. Dick was also featured in four jukebox movie "soundies", a popular entertainment medium of the day, and predecessor of today's music video format.
A popular radio performer of that era, Dick got his start in show business as the "yodeling cabin boy" on the locally broadcast "SS All-in-Fun" radio show in 1935, and later (1943) on the "Village Barn" radio show nationally broadcast from New York City. His growing popularity as an entertainer and "singing cowboy" took him from New York to the popular war time nightclubs of Hollywood and Las Vegas.
In 1947, Dick returned to his hometown of Philadelphia to raise his growing family. While he continued to write and record, Dick further honed his piano playing skills to become a much sought after entertainer in the local piano bar and nightclub scene, with a devoted following in the Philadelphia, South Jersey and Jersey shore areas. In 1957 he co-hosted the popular "Top Of The Morning" TV show (WCAU) with Gene Crane, helping to pioneer the popular morning show format for television.
Beyond his professional life, Richard was recognized for
his many contributions to society. He was awarded The Legion of Honor
Membership presented by The Chapel of Four Chaplains on Sep 20, 1981,
for humanitarian service, and presented with West Philly High School's
Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in April, 2002.
Richard is survived by five of his six children, Richard Jr. and his
wife Rena of Churchville, PA, Diane Owens and her husband Stephen of
Somerdale NJ, Susan Bowne and s/o Lanis Rossi of Voorhees NJ, Stephen
and his wife Janet of Stratford NJ, and Ronald and his wife Ruth of
Clementon NJ; his brother Freddie Gray of Ft. Pierce, FL; sister Lena
Krauss of Gradyville, PA, and sister Mary Fisher and her husband Allen
of Ft. Pierce, FL. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, and 10 greatgrandchildren.
Dick is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria, his son, William
(Billy), his sisters Florence and Alberta, and his brother George.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sunday, 14 December, 2 PM, at Clearview United Methodist Church, 7601 Buist Ave., Phila. PA. Phone: 215-365-6672.
Donations may be made in Richard's name to the American Heart Association, or to the Hospice Program at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA.
Tributes and memories may be shared at www.siouxcitysue.com.