Richard E. McMunn

1949 - 2025

Richard E. McMunn
April 2, 1949 - February 24, 2025
"Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest" - Mark Twain.
Richard E. McMunn, (formerly of Hamden, CT) dedicated husband and father, entered into in Eternal Rest on February 24, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He devoted his life to service, knowledge and faith.
Born April 2, 1949 to Earl and Doris McMunn, Richard grew up in Hamilton, Illinois, a small town on the Mississippi River. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends and learned the value of hard work as a young man as a paper boy and, later, as an employee of the local grocery.
Richard met his wife, Diane, while they were attending college in Peoria, Illinois. Following a brief courtship and engagement, they were married December 16, 1972, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Pontiac, Illinois. Thus began the adventure that was their fifty-two-year marriage. They lived coast to coast, from California to Connecticut, over the years, as Richard pursued new opportunities in his career as a Catholic journalist. Richard wrote and edited for diocesan and national Catholic publications during his long career, including Our Sunday Visitor and Columbia magazine, published by the Knights of Columbus. He retired from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Headquarters in 2013, after 25 years of service to the organization.
Richard modeled a life of service for his daughters. He was always among the first to volunteer when parent helpers were needed at his daughters' Catholic Schools. He was a long time Third and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, coordinating and participating in many community service projects and social events with the organization. You would also find him helping out at any parish he belonged to, from painting and handyman work to serving as a lector or an usher at weekly Mass.
Richard adored his wife and daughters. He was as supportive of Diane's career as she was of his and was her partner and protector in all things. He was always there for his girls. He coached sports teams, helped to build some amazing school projects and taught them everything from how to tie their shoes to how to drive. He was there for every school concert or program with his camcorder on his shoulder to record the moment for posterity. Most importantly, he taught them morals and integrity shaping them into the strong women they are today.
Richard possessed a love of learning and reading that lasted a lifetime. He was known to read several books a week, often reading more than one at a time. There were many spirited games of Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit with friends and loved ones. Richard frequently claimed victory.
Richard loved baseball and collegiate women's basketball. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, living in Central Illinois, where passion for the Chicago Cubs runs deep. After moving to Connecticut, he grew to love the Boston Red Sox as well. While he usually listened to the games on the radio or watched them on television, he thoroughly enjoyed a chance to attend a game at the stadium. He also loved watching the UCONN Huskies dominate women's college basketball and attended several games over the years.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Diane McMunn of Clarence, NY, his daughter, Shannon McMunn of Depew, NY, his daughter, Meaghan Wargo (Evan) of Lancaster, NY, and his grandchildren, Isla and Declan Wargo. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Erin Maureen.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, in Williamsville, NY, on March 1, 2025, at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association of WNY or Clelian Adult Day Center of Hamden, CT.