Richard "Dick" A. Macken

Born on April 23, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Dick led a life marked by dedication, intellect, and unwavering loyalty. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, George. Much-loved among his peers, Dick forged lifelong friendships during his time at Princeton University, relationships he maintained with fondness and affection throughout his life.

Dick earned his Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies and was fluent in Arabic and French, skills that guided his distinguished international career. He began as a professor in Malaysia, where he shared his passion for history, language, and culture with his students. Upon returning to the United States, he lived in Pittsburgh before joining the U.S. State Department, embarking on a career that took him to multiple locations around the world. In each posting, he was admired for his cultural insight, diplomacy, and steadfast professionalism.

After retiring to Naples, Florida, Dick immersed himself in the life of the community he loved. He volunteered at the Naples Botanical Garden and was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, where he especially enjoyed serving on the Forum Committee. A passionate supporter of the arts, Dick rarely missed a local performance and had a lifelong devotion to opera — a love sparked in childhood when his parents first took him to performances. He was a regular patron of the Sarasota Opera House and, in recent years, proudly served as a producer.

Dick was a firm believer in maintaining an active lifestyle. For many years, he attended LA Fitness, where he cherished his “gym family” as much as his friends in the broader Naples community. He loved to travel and embrace adventure, always eager to try new experiences — from savoring gourmet meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, sea kayaking, bird watching, hiking, to even zip-lining.

A celebration of life memorial will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 4PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL 34116.

Dick will be remembered for his intellect, loyalty, adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.