Richard J. McCloskey

1944 - 2025

Richard J McCloskey

March 4, 1944 - May 16, 2025

Boise, Idaho - Richard John McCloskey, lovingly known as "Dick" to those who knew him best, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 81, following complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Mount Vernon, NY, Dick was the beloved son of Hugh Aloysius and Alice Isabel (Barber) McCloskey. He grew up in The Bronx, where he graduated from Mount St. Michael High School, and went on to earn degrees from Franklin College and Iowa State University, where he received both his MS and PhD.

In 1976, Dick found his professional home at Boise State University, where he taught biology with passion, humor, and an ever-curious spirit. For more than 50 years, he dedicated his life to higher education and was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to both the university and the broader community. Even after retiring in 2006, he continued teaching online until 2016, because for Dick, sharing knowledge wasn't just a job; it was a joy.

Beyond the classroom, Dick was a man of many loves: ice cream always came first, followed by Boise State football, pizza, squirrels, and monster movies. His interests reflected the quirky charm and warm heart that endeared him to so many.

In 2006, he married his beloved wife, Pam Quenemoen, in Boise, Idaho. Together, they built a life full of laughter, curiosity, and adventure. Whether it was cheering at BSU games, sharing meals with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, attending lectures, or traveling the globe from Turkey to Peru--often in the company of Pam's parents, Bob and Gay Quenemoen--Dick embraced life with wonder and gratitude.

Dick is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Pam; his children, Richard "Rick" Paul (Sonia) McCloskey and Erin "Bri" Bridget McCloskey; grandchildren, Americo "Rico" Kaz Manuel Mendez and Hazel Adelyn Briggs; stepdaughters Lynsey (Brian) Winters Juel and Lesley (Andy) Juel Query; and granddaughters Genevieve and Amelia Winters. He is also remembered with warmth by his former spouse and the mother of his children, Linda (William) Ciccone Vermette, as well as by many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his brother, Hugh (Catherine) Aloysius McCloskey.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Emerson House, who cared for Dick with dignity and kindness during his final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Boise State University Alumni and Friends Center. In honor of Dick's love for all things Boise State, guests are warmly encouraged to wear their best Bronco gear to the gathering. Let's celebrate the life of Dr. McCloskey as he lived it--spirited, joyful, and full of Bronco pride.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation in Dick's memory to Boise Aging Strong/Memory Café, Boise State's Richard McCloskey Biology Scholarship, or a charity close to your heart.

To share memories or offer condolences, please visit:

https://bellavidafuneral.com/obituaries/richard-mccloskey.