Richard Lee Tecklenburg

Richard, fondly known as Da by his loved ones, was born to John and Mary Tecklenburg, on April 27, 1933 in Troy, Ohio. He graduated Troy High School in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 where he served 4 years during the Korean War. He was a Helicopter mechanic. After serving his country he moved to Miami, Florida where he met his wife, Virginia from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Richard owned a barber shop in Miami for a few years, then worked for Florida Power and Light as a mechanic for 30 years until he retired.

Richard led a very active life; he loved golfing, fishing, bowling, antiquing, feeding his bluebirds, playing cards with his siblings and later on with the computer. He loved spending time with his family, especially with his only grandson, Mitchell whom he taught everything he knew. He was a die hard Ohio State and Cincinnati Reds fan, hardly ever missing a game.

He moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1996 where he golfed almost everyday, and enjoyed kayaking in the French Board River taking his grandson Mitchell with him many times. He was an avid bird watcher who loved to feed and house the bluebirds. He and his wife went antiquing almost every weekend, always looking for the good “old stuff”.

Richard moved to Mint Hill, North Carolina in 2013 where he continued to enjoy his family and retirement. He loved "Chick Fil-A" and was a regular customer every single day- sometimes twice a day. Richard loved the Lord and his church, giving generously of his time and gifts. He always listened to hymns and gospel music while playing cards on the computer. He easily made friends and was loved by all who met him.

Da will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. Forever he will be in our hearts as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Richard is survived by his wife Virginia of 62 years, two children, Melanie and John Kenneth, and his partner Antonio Pacheco, his grandson, Mitchell Lee Rome and his wife Alyssa. He is also survived by his nieces, Mary Lynn Sweeney, Carol Davis, Teckla Dando and her husband, Jim, Susie Meeks and her husband JT, his nephew, Brian Davis and his wife Karen. Along with many great nieces and great nephews.

Richard was predeceased in death by his parents, John and Mary Tecklenburg, his two brothers and five sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC 28227. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill. All are invited to a catered reception at 1:00pm at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Tecklenburg family.