Richard McGrade

Richard H. McGrade (1938-2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard H. McGrade, who peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 13, 2025, at his home in Hawley, PA, surrounded by his loving wife, Lucille, and joining his cherished son, Richie.
Born on November 30, 1938, in Astoria, Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be remembered as a man of integrity, love, and unwavering strength.
Rich, known in the family as our "Superman," overcame great challenges in his early life, including growing up without his biological father. Yet, he became a remarkable father himself, imparting invaluable lessons through his actions-teaching his family how to be tough, work hard, put family first, and embrace life's joys. His love and devotion to his wife, Lucille, were extraordinary. The two shared a deep and abiding bond, holding hands until his final breath. Lucille was his world, and he always made sure she knew it.
Richard's career journey began in 1963 when he joined the NYC Department of Sanitation. He worked his way from a collector to a patrolman, and ultimately became a citywide detective. He retired at a young age of 43 to pursue a new venture, combining his culinary talents honed during his time in the US Army Reserves and in his beloved mother-in-law Sally's kitchen. Together with his partner, Rich operated a food truck in Battery Park City, feeding thousands of construction workers during the area's development for over a decade.
A lifelong advocate for physical fitness, Richard was an avid bodybuilder and sports enthusiast. He placed great importance on maintaining his health and took immense pride in his physical strength. His interests were wide-ranging; when he met Lucille at the age of 17, she introduced him to the world of art, and he soon became an ardent art lover. Music filled their home, with everything from classical and jazz to contemporary tunes. One of the most beautiful sights was watching Richard and Lucille dance-his joy was infectious as he twirled his daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and even brides around the dance floor. His love for nature was equally profound; he delighted in watching birds, deer, bears, and all the creatures that passed by their cherished home, "Pine Haven." Richard also had a special place in his heart for old Western movies, always enjoying the tales of adventure and heroism.
Richard is survived by his adoring wife, Lucille; his children, Lisa (fiancé Michael), Nancy (Denis), Maureen (Matthew), and John (Michele); his beloved daughter-in-law, MaryAnn; eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-laws, brother-in-law and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard; his parents, Genevieve, George, his stepfather John, brother George; and numerous other beloved family members and friends.
A wake will be held on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Farenga Funeral Home in Astoria. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, at 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Astoria.
Richard's life was one of love, strength, and generosity. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his passion for life, and his enduring legacy of kindness.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations in loving memory to Richard will be greatly appreciated to the following organizations:
1. Wounded Warrios - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16828&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS25008AACBRXAA&&msclkid=62b67d9ef30d1c4bf2571a4b481aa985&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM%7CWWP%7CBR%7CUS%7CAll%7CWWP_Main%7CBing&utm_term=wounded%20warrior%20donation%20in%20memory&utm_content=WWP_Memory_Donation_Exact&gclid=62b67d9ef30d1c4bf2571a4b481aa985&gclsrc=3p.ds
2. American Heart Association - https://pages.heart.org/honor-memorial-lp
3. St. Jude’s - https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&dedication=1&sc_dcm=58700006934021388&sc_cid=kwp&sl=memorial-gift&&&&&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&msclkid=a229fa6e0be21d2633de9dbbb05f6b33&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M%20-%20Brand%20BMM%20EL&utm_term=st%20jude%20memorial%20donation&utm_content=PM_PR_Dig_Srch_PM_AO_US_Nat_MS_M-Ads_LF_-_-_-_SERP-BMM_Srch-B_-_-_-_Honor-%26-Memory_-_EL_-_-_Srch&gclid=a229fa6e0be21d2633de9dbbb05f6b33&gclsrc=3p.ds
For any floral arrangements please contact
Creative Flower Shop
84-48 Eliot Ave.
Middle Village, NY 11379
(718) 898-1919
https://www.cflowershop.com/