Richard Wilson Kean Jr.

1945 - 2025

Richard Wilson Kean, Jr.

East Hawley, MA - Richard Wilson Kean, Jr. (Rick), passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2025, at the age of 80. His story began January 4, 1945 in Jackson Heights, NY when he was born to Richard Wilson Kean, Sr. and Marybelle Perkins Kean. Rick was fortunate to have had many adventures and play many roles in life along the way, including: clam boat fisherman, academic journalist, editor, ghost writer, grant writer, education reformist, civil rights advocate, original Western Mass hippie, cordwood business owner, carpenter, high-level executive headhunter, everyone's mentor, glider pilot, tax assessor, webmaster, and devoted family man. He also may have coined the term "INTERNET" when he started his own executive search business of that same name in the late 1970s.

For 19 years, Rick shared his life with his wife Anne Hamilton Kean, together crafting a sustainable haven in East Hawley, Massachusetts. He's survived by his wife Anne, his son Gabe (Deniz) Kean, his sister Polly Kean, his stepson Dan (Kate) Stoecker, and his stepdaughter Tessa (Bryan) Prosek. Rick was also a proud grandfather to Maren Kean, Ellie Prosek, Gavin Prosek, Audrey Prosek, and Lily Reed, a staunch uncle to nieces Emily Wompisik Unnokon and Sarah Ruth Knowles, and a great uncle to James Perkins Knowles.

Rick was most comfortable reading, writing, and sailing through the sky as a glider pilot. He also loved a PBJ, a tall glass of milk, and chocolate pudding. Rick was well known for his wicked sense of humor, creative wit, and for being an all-around kind soul. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on May 17th at the Kean Hawley home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hawley Fire Fighters and EMTs as gratitude for their dedicated service: Hawley Fire Fighters Association, Attn. Jane Grant, 319 E. Hawley Rd, Hawley, MA 01339