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Richard Fagan Obituary
Richard was born in Massapequa, NY to Joseph and Helen Fagan. The oldest of three children, Richie loved his work. In his early career, Richie served his community as a counselor to youths in need at Mount Loretto Mission in New York. A man of many talents, Richie went on to a colorful career to include working at Cudjoe Key Air Force Station on the "Fat Albert" tethered aerostat radar system; the Kennedy Space Center on multiple programs; and for over two decades as a freelance audio engineer and technician with multiple companies to include NBC, ABC, The Golf Channel, and ESPN Sports.
Affectionately known as "The Mayor", Richie was well known and a friend to all he met in his active lifestyle. He was an avid surfer and loved his local surf scene at 2nd Street North in the heart of Cocoa Beach. He loved his family, his community, and going for long walks in his neighborhood. He was often seen photographing the sunrises on the beach each morning with his dog, Bear.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen Fagan, and his sisters Catherine and Theresa Fagan. Richard is survived by his wife Kathy Fagan, his daughter Melanie, son-in-law Ken, and grandson Lucas Blackwell; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Richie's Celebration of Life will be held at the Cocoa Beach Country Club 19th Hole Dining Room on January 20, 2024 at 1:00pm. The family invites all who were friends of Richie to attend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Warren Dorer
February 23, 2025
I grew up with Richie in Massapequa. We learned to surf together at Gilgo and Tobay beach with our parents alternating the beach drives. Its been a long time , a great guy!
Shirley Blackwell
January 12, 2024
When Louis and my son, Ken, and Richie & Kathy's daughter, Melanie, lit a "Unity Candle" at their wedding in 2006, it symbolized the blending of our families, but it was not at all the beginning of our kinship with Richie and Kathy. We had already built an affectionate friend-partnership with them as the four of us watched our children's love and life grow toward each other. At that wedding, Richie was the epitome of a loving dad who was full of joy for his daughter's happiness. I was almost as happy for him as for the bridal couple.
When our grandson, Lucas, was born, Richie stepped in as model grandpa, full of laughter, love, and life. I was so thankful that Lucas had Richie there in Florida to lavish those gifts on him during those early childhood years, since his other grandfather was so far away.
I will remember so many meaningful moments with Richie, but the one I will clasp to my heart is our last visit together in November 2022, when I was on my way to a poetry convention in Florida and the Fagans put me up for a night. Before Kathy drove me to the conference site the next day, I accompanied Richie and Bear on their sunrise walk to the beach. I saw him in his element, being his authentic self: greeting (or making) friends as we stood on the shore, exulting in the beauty of the day.
He left everyone he encountered uplifted and smiling. It is no wonder he was known as the "Mayor of Cocoa Beach" because he knew and loved everyone and everything in the town. Richie, my dear co-grandparent, I miss you so much. We promise to do everything we can to look out for Kathy, Melanie, Lucas, Ken, and Bear. Love, Shirley
Louis Blackwell
January 12, 2024
I remember Richie from so many happy times! Shirley and I met him in 2000 when we visited with Melanie and Ken during a family vacation. It was our first opportunity to meet the entire family in Florida. During the intervening years, mostly during our visits, I came to know him as a kind, thoughtful and considerate man. He loved the beach! One of my best memories of Ritchie is from our grandson Lucas' christening ceremony; Richie made a point of giving me an inscribed shell found on the beach as a memento of that beautiful day. On another visit, after we had talked of our mutual efforts at healthful exercise, he surprised me with a gift of a fit-bit style wearable similar to one he used. I shall cherish all of my memories of Richie -- far too many to include here. I know he loved surfing, dogs and people too -- I attach a photo of Richie in happy times
Dina Lopez
January 9, 2024
I was traveling cross-country and came across Long Point Park campground on early January, 1976. That´s where I met Richie. He introduced himself, said he was camping with his "beautiful wife and daughter" (that still makes me smile).
Richie had an effortless way of bringing out smiles in people he met.
We camped there for several perfectly beautiful months during which we all became (and remain) forever friends.
Luv ya, Richie!
AKA: The Mayor
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Tom Wiler
January 6, 2024
We met on an aerostat project, later became good friends. Richard always had a smile, was always upbeat and just a great person to know. He is going to be missed. Rest in peace buddy..
Janet West
January 4, 2024
Richie was a man of integrity with a positive outlook, traits to be admired. He was a good neighbor whose intentions were always kind and good. We were lucky to have him in our lives. He will be missed.
Shannon Britt Sarubbi
January 4, 2024
When my sister and I would to stay with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Richie, every morning he would wake us up by saying "I love my nieces to pieces" Uncle Richie was so loving and so fun. I love you Uncle Richie! -Shannon Britt Sarubbi!
Patrick Cryan
January 2, 2024
Richie an I met on the aerostat project back in 1983. We were born on the same year and in the same hospital even though we lived in different states. We formed a bond that lasted till his passing. His camaraderie and friendship will surely be missed by his family and mine. Rest in peace my brother.
Melissa Dundis
December 28, 2023
He taught or tried to teach me to surf. Even lent me his board.
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