Richard S. McKinley Sr.

Richard Saunders McKinley, Sr., 95, of East Hartford, loving husband of 58 years of Carolyn Ann (Craig) McKinley, peacefully passed away in his sleep with his two caring children holding his hands on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at his home. Born in Jersey City, NJ on November 19, 1930, a son of the late Walter E. and Gertrude W. (Bell) McKinley, he had resided in Phoenix, AZ for 30 years prior to moving to East Hartford in 2003. Richard graduated from Rider College in Trenton, NJ with a bachelor’s degree in real estate and insurance. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and continued his patronage to the Marines for the rest of his life.

Prior to his retirement, Richard was employed for 25 years as a Personal Management Specialist for the Veteran’s Hospital & Medical Center in five states. Beginning as a young child, Richard was an avid reader of history, biographies, and detective novels. He enjoyed playing card games, especially Bridge, and played Bridge regularly since taking classes for an 80th birthday present. He also loved solving crossword puzzles every morning with cups of coffee for fuel. As animal lovers, Richard and his family enjoyed the comfort of many dogs and cats over the years. Being an outgoing and friendly person, Richard enjoyed conversing with everyone he encountered. Most of all, Richard was a devoted husband, father, and true gentleman who cherished every moment with his family.

Richard is survived by his affectionate son, Richard S. McKinley, Jr., and his lovely wife Helga of East Hartford; and his warmhearted daughter, Robin L. McKinley of East Hartford with whom he made his loving home of 22 years. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Richard was predeceased by a brother, Robert L. McKinley of Lakewood, NJ, and a sister, Nancy Sloan of Stuart, FL. His nephew, Johnny Black and his wife Sue of Brick, NJ were very special to him; Richard was very grateful for reconnecting with his caring NJ cousins, and he cherished the kindness and love of many dear relatives and wonderful friends; Richard also enjoyed the companionship of the Monday and Wednesday Bridge groups and his good-hearted partners past and present.

Richard’s love for his family and friends, his pets, his enthusiasm for learning and life, his positivity, kindness, and caring character, and his committed and proud service as a U.S. Marine all made him a blessing and an important part of our lives, and he will be greatly missed.

Private funeral service and burial with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Glastonbury will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, donate.garysinisefoundation.org or to K9s for Warriors, donate.k9sforwarriors.org. Richard’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of Richard’s medical doctors and nurses, and his hospice team from Hartford Healthcare for their professionalism, care, compassion, and love given to Richard and his entire family. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com