Mackey, Richard William

Richard William Mackey, 93, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 20, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Burial will be in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday at the church.

Richard was born Oct. 4, 1919, in Cedar Rapids, to Philip and Emma (Klouda) Mackey. He was a life long resident of Cedar Rapids and a lifetime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He graduated from Wilson High School and then served in the United States Army Air Corps. He married Virginia Blocker in Cedar Rapids.

Richard spent the majority of his working life as a Cedar Rapids firefighter. His life was shaped by large events, as a young man by the Great Depression and as a World War II veteran. Before succumbing to the effects of dementia and old age, Richard lived a full life on his terms.

He will forever be appreciated as a good man who was always there for his family.

He is survived by his son, Gary; and granddaughters, Chloe and Christine Mackey, all of Tucson, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Cynthia; a sister, Marguerite; and three brothers, Harold, Elmer and Donald.

The family would like to express gratitude to Claudia Folkers of the Hiawatha Care Center, Dr. Mary Nelson and all of the caregivers who guided Richard on this difficult path.

Please direct memorials to the St. Patrick Flood Renovation Fund in Richard's name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published May 18, 2013 in The Gazette