WEBSTER – Richard J. “Dick” McKay, 70, devoted husband and father of nine, died Friday, April 1, at his Webster Lake home after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
He leaves his loving wife of 48 years, Christine H. (Leclaire) McKay; 4 daughters, Elizabeth A. and her husband Ronald Passaggio of Walpole, Laura E. and her husband Brent Parrish of Hollis, NH, Mary M. and her husband Scott Angelos of Stoughton, Andrea C. and her husband Marc Becker of Webster; five sons, Peter C. and his wife Pamela McKay of Weymouth, John M. and his wife Christina McKay of Stoughton, Richard J. and his wife Audrey McKay, Jr. of Abington, Christopher M. McKay and his fiancé MeLeah Hall of Webster, Douglas G. and his wife Cristina McKay of Woodstock, CT; 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was born in Webster, the son of James H. and Anne H. (Harvanek) McKay. He was a graduate of Springfield College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in History and Education; Tufts University, where he received his Masters of Education; and worked toward a doctorate at the University of Virginia.
Mr. McKay was Superintendent of Schools in the Boston area, Dean of Students at the University of Virginia at Wise, and was School-Municipal Coordinator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was also listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the East Leaders in Education. The achievement he was most proud of was his contribution establishing Chapter 766, which appropriates educational funding to special needs children.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 5, from the Scanlon Funeral Service, East Main Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, April 4, in the funeral home. The family requests that flowers be omitted and that memorial donations be made to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.