Richard L. McCoy Jr.

Richard L. McCoy, Jr., 54, of Hamilton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of
his family.
Rich was born in Laurel, Maryland, on October 23, 1970 to Carolyn Ellett and Richard McCoy Sr. When he was approximately 5 years old, Richard's life journey began with a move to East Windsor. Not long after, his family settled in Hamilton Township, where Richard spent his formative years and remained a proud resident for many years, eventually returning after a couple of decades after living in various towns in North and South Jersey.
After earning his undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, he began his professional career working for a local magazine publication in North Jersey. Even after finding his career passion, he continued his appreciation for the artistic work expressed in graphic design as a freelance designer for several years, notably for the non-profit Centurion in Princeton, NJ.
Rich's passion for making a meaningful impact on young lives led him to further his education, earning a Graduate degree in Library Science and a graduate certification in ESL. Rich soon transitioned into the field of teaching-a calling he embraced wholeheartedly. For over a decade, Richard devoted himself to educating and inspiring children in Library Science, first in Camden and later in Trenton. He found his "work home" at Copeland Elementary (formerly Columbus Elementary) where he made a lasting impact as a compassionate, engaging, and dedicated educator, earning a Governor's Teacher of the Year award in 2025.
A true musician at heart since his teenage years Rich had a deep love for music, especially Heavy Metal and its many subgenres. He was a talented songwriter and doom metal singer, releasing several songs with the band Majesty in Ruin.
His love of music included an impressive catalog of original vinyl albums that reflected his eclectic taste and unwavering passion for many music styles. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed building and collecting model kits, a hobby that combined his love of detail, craftsmanship, and creativity.
In 2016, he met who would soon become the love of his life- his sweetie, Laila. Their soul tie blossomed and although neither of them had ever planned to marry again, they happily wed on August 7, 2021. This union was one of Rich's greatest joys, stating it provided a love he never knew was possible. He reveled in their love for each other, being a wonderful husband, a co-parent to Brie and Rell, and a pet-parent to their numerous furry children. Outside of work, Rich enjoyed a simple life, finding his success in being a wonderful son, brother, husband, co-parent, and friend. He is loved by many, and we will never forget his loving spirit, altruistic nature, and (of course) his dad jokes and sarcasm.
Richard is predeceased by his brother, Kevin McCoy; stepfather, Herbert Kisamore; and his "favorite child", his beloved cat Chibi. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Laila Wilson-McCoy, and his two bonus children Brie and Rell; his mother, Carolyn Kisamore; his parents, Richard and Mary Ann McCoy; his aunt Susie Collier (Gary); siblings, Danny McCoy, Regina Ralph, Kenny Kisamore, and Stacy McCoy (Casey); his mother-in-law, Rudine Smith; father-in-law, W. Deen Shareef (Helen); brother-in-law, Wayne Shakir Wilson (Charissa); sister-in-law, Michelle McCoy; god-sister, Stephanie Canciello; nieces and nephews, Brennen, Madison, Shannon, Atticus, Kellen, Anissa, Pierce, and arriving soon Esme; and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and supportive colleagues at Copeland Elementary and Centurion.
A Gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Hamilton, NJ 08620. Private repast immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centurion Ministries Inc, Princeton, NJ - .
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