Richard Allen Hardy III

Born on November 1, 1987, to Richard Hardy Jr. and Rita Cruz, Richie grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his bright spirit and generous heart first took root.

Richie graduated from Fort Hamilton High School and later attended the Career Institute of Health Technology, where he pursued his passion for automotive technology. His commitment to serving others led him to join the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in July 2023.

Through hard work, discipline, and unwavering dedication, he quickly became the 1st Squad Leader, earning the respect of his peers and supervisors alike. Richie was later recognized as a Marksman with MCSO—an achievement he carried with pride.

Outside of his service, Richie lived life with curiosity, adventure, and deep love for the simple joys.

He adored grilling and experimenting with new recipes. A true explorer at heart, he cherished traveling through the Caribbean Islands and had a passion for scuba diving. He reached a personal milestone when he walked the ocean floor in Puerto Rico at an impressive depth of 10 meter- a dream he was so proud to fulfill. A lifelong and passionate New York Giants fan, Richie cheered with loyalty no matter the season.

Richie’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind his fiancée, Michelle, with whom he shared a beautiful future and a planned wedding date of February 6, 2026.

He was a devoted father to his three beloved children—Aubrey, Emma, and Elias Hardy—who were the light of his life. Richie is also survived by his father Richard Hardy (Stephanie) of Mastic Beach, NY; his step mother, Rita Hardy, grandmother, Mary Hardy of Brooklyn, NY; his sister Amaya Hardy of Mastic Beach, NY; Ryan & Jennifer Hardy of Georgia, and sister, Stephanie Cruz.

Welcoming him into heaven are his children, Isaac Angel Hardy and Zoey Miriam Hardy, as well as his grandfather, Richard Hardy Sr., grandmother, Minnie Lynn Hardy and uncle, Michael Nolan, whose embrace he now returns to.

Richie will be remembered for his laughter, his loyalty, his courage, and a heart that loved fiercely. His impact on his family, friends, and community will endure far beyond his years.

Family will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC, 28227 on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.