Richard R. McBride

1930 - 2021

Richard (Mac) Raleigh McBride went home to be with the Lord on January 22,2021 at the age of 91. He was born in St. Petersburg, FL on January 3, 1930, son of Harry & Helen (Connolly) McBride, but spent the majority of his adult life as a resident of Wallingford, CT.

First and foremost, Richard was a man of God whose servant heart was evident in every aspect of his life. It is what led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from St. Petersburg High School. While stationed in Groton, CT, he met his beloved wife, Lois, who pre-deceased him by just two weeks. Richard and Lois were married for 69 1/2 years and together raised four children: Matthew, Ruth, Jo, and John.

Richard was very proud to serve his country in the submarine service during the Korean War and continued to serve his community upon his return by embarking on a career as a firefighter and EMT for the town of Wallingford. He rose to the rank of Captain before retiring after 29 years. Richard was also considered a "jack of all trades" and ran a successful home appliance repair service on the side. Virtually everyone who knew him will remember his insatiable desire to share a joke and his inability to reach the punch line without hysterically laughing himself. He often had a twinkle in his eye that disguised whether he was about to pull a prank or recount some hilarious situation he once found himself in. In addition to being a jokester to his core, Richard was a person you could always rely on to lend a helping hand. He frequently went out of his way to help his friends and neighbors, and never once passed a stranded motorist on the side of the road without stopping to assist. Richard was principled, loyal, persistent, and determined. He didn't hesitate to speak up for what he believed was right, and always meant what he said.

One of Richard's passions was traveling, having visited all 50 states with Lois. He was a gifted tour-guide who loved to take family and friends on unforgettable road trips around New England, knowing every fascinating spot and historical fact along the way. He could always make an otherwise boring drive into an exciting adventure for his grandkids. Richard also had a sweet tooth and as such, started a tradition of having banana splits for dinner on Sundays with his family. Very seldom would anyone leave his house without being offered a silver mint bar or some type of candy. Richard was adored by all his grandchildren, having earned several "World's Best Grandpa" coffee mugs and sweatshirts over the years.

In his later years, Richard found himself switching roles with his wife and becoming her loving caregiver as she declined physically. Though he had no experience in the kitchen or keeping up with household chores, he never once complained and simply did what needed to be done. His dedication to his wife was exemplified in the way he learned to whip up her favorite recipes and hold her hand every single night until she fell asleep. Upon her passing, his final duties were complete, and he was able to depart from this world to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:33).

In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Guthrie and Jean Battle and brothers Bobby, Harry and Norman McBride. He is survived by his four children, Matthew (Annette) McBride of Pass Christian, MS, Ruth (Bill) Palmer of Wallingford, CT, Jo (Steve) Ferjak of Killingworth, CT, and John (Nicole) McBride of Stockton, CA. He also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren, Leah (Ty) Watters, Jesse (Kaila) McBride, Nathaniel (Tara) Palmer, Dave (Lindsay) Palmer, Sarah (JD) Pankow, Hannah Palmer, Emily (Ryan) Tittle, Alexandra, Jacob, Luke, Joel, and Andrew McBride, and eight great-grandchildren.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. I Peter 5:10.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.