Mr. Richard McCracken

Richard McCracken, 75, was an amazingly kind man with strong character and integrity. Born January 7, 1946 in Indiana, Richard attended Indiana University, to become a CPA. Richard raised his family in New York state, where he worked as a corporate taxman. He was a member of the Tax Executives Institute and attended many annual conventions. Work moved him to Virginia for several years. He spent his final years in Connecticut where he was able to be near his grandchildren. After a short battle with Covid-19, Richard died peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on February 16, 2021. Richard was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend. Strong in his faith, he was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He left a lasting impression by bestowing handcrafted wooden crosses to those he encountered. Throughout his life, Richard held many volunteer positions in the church, participated in Walk to Emmaus and for a few years served as a second career minister to two small churches in the Ogdensburg, NY area. Richard had many interests and talents. He was an avid fisherman, loved to read and tell stories, especially about his time he served in the Army National Guard. He enjoyed photography, travel and amateur radio. He was great at home improvement and renovation projects. He was the eternal optimist and number one fan for his wife and children. He supported every activity and interest his family had. Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann M. McCracken, his loving daughters and son-in-law, Laura McCracken and Jennifer & Ken Kirchoff, his doting grandchildren, Kyle and Kayleigh Kirchoff, his brother and sister-in-law Jim & Marie McCracken and many extended family members. Richard was preceded in death by both parents, Bruce & Mary McCracken. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. His journey is not over, it really has just begun. I know we will see him again in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to One Great Hour of Sharing through your local United Methodist Church or you can send to First United Methodist Church of Wallingford, 941 Old Rock Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be determined.