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Kevin McVey Obituary
Kevin McVey, an illustrator best known for his Broadway caricatures in The Record, died Wednesday. The Ho-Ho-Kus resident was 83.
The cause was complications of pneumonia, his son Chris said.
Mr. McVey sketched hundreds of performers, from Carol Channing to Harvey Fierstein, in his 26 years with the newspaper. Opera glasses at the ready, he made preliminary drawings while attending preview performances, and then fleshed out the sketches back at the office.
Robert Feldberg, The Record's theater critic since 1982, said the redheaded Mr. McVey had a droll, "seen it all" demeanor. Mr. McVey's work graced Feldberg's reviews and articles, but Feldberg never saw the illustrator in action; the two attended shows separately.
Mr. McVey's theatrical caricatures received a 1984 award from the National Cartoonists Society.
Early in his career, Mr. McVey drew editorial cartoons and a desert island-themed, one-panel comic titled "Castaway Corner." On Jan. 5, 1987, he assumed the role of courtroom artist, capturing the Day One proceedings of the landmark Baby M surrogate-mother trial in Hackensack.
The Bronx native dropped out of high school to join the Marines at the end of World War II. He later got his degree and attended art school.
Mr. McVey, who founded the National Cartoonists Society's New Jersey chapter and spearheaded visits by cartoonists to military bases and veterans hospitals, retired from The Record in 1989.
Survivors include his children, Chris McVey of Ho-Ho-Kus and Kitt Cela of East Hampstead, N.H.; a sister, and two grandchildren. His wife, Betty, died last year.
The funeral Mass will be todayMON at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel R.C. Church, Saddle River. Arrangements are by Vander Plaat Funeral Home, Wyckoff.
E-mail: [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin McVey
9 Entries
Jay Wecht
October 16, 2023
Still shaking my head that it's been THIS long since you left us, Kevin. Time continues to move too quickly, but coincidentally, once again I receive this reminder of your passing just before the Monthly Munchers meet. I'll be sure to raise my glass in your memory, and show our group the flyers I created many of which were inspired by yours. Please just know that when you were with us you were greatly appreciated, and now that you are not you are deeply missed.
Jay Wecht
October 15, 2022
We all still really miss you, Kevin. The Monthly Munchers don´t get together as often as we used to, but we still do, and I´ll be certain to bring up your name again when we meet next week. Here´s hoping that you´re aware of how much you were loved when you were here among us, and I´d like to think that you know that everyone still holds you in the high regard that was so obvious before we lost you in 2011.
Jay Wecht
October 15, 2021
TEN years? Impossible. The world's a much different place ever since you left it, my friend, and it had profoundly suffered enough already with your departure in 2011. The Monthly Munchers certainly don't meet as frequently as we used to, but coincidentally there is a gathering next week. We'll be sure to raise a glass or two (or three) in your honor, and in Danny's, too, and trade our favorite stories about the two of you. Rest easy, Kevin, and keep that pencil sharp...
Roderick Eyer
October 15, 2020
A truly great guy and wonderful artist. Total gentleman and buddy.
How you can show support
Jay Wecht
October 15, 2020
Hard to believe that it's been almost ten years since we lost you, my dear friend. And it's equally difficult to fathom that Danny's up there with you ever since we lost him this July. I do like to think that you're both enjoying each other's company, trading the kinds of artistic tips that only two master craftsmen could, enjoying a drink or two (or three), and having the occasional gentle, loving laugh at my expense that I miss so very much. Your and Danny's legacies live on in the hearts and drafting boards of all us you left behind. Rest peacefully...
carlo o
October 25, 2011
A true gentleman who I had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying his company
October 21, 2011
A fond memory is attending a play starring Rex Harrison with Kevin. He did caricatures of the actors. Always enjoyed Kevin's company.
Condolences from Don Orehek and family
Rod eyer
October 21, 2011
A really great guy.
Jay Wecht
October 21, 2011
You were a gentleman and a stellar cartoonist, my friend. What a loss to all of us regular Monthly Munchers, as we will miss your kind, gentle and irreplaceable inclusion at the NCS meetings each month. The world was a better place for your presence, Kevin, for your contributions artistically and otherwise. Keep that pencil sharp up there in heaven, m'man - there are plenty of characters up there with you who've been waiting for an original McVey caricature!
All the best,
Jay
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