Richard Mackey

Richard F. “Dick” Mackey, age 85, a resident of Billerica since 1972, died Tuesday, January, 11, 2011 in Massachusetts.

Born in East Boston on April 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Jeremiah and Alice (Colbert) Mackey. Dick was raised in Tewksbury and attended Tewksbury schools.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Mackey served during World War II in Iceland and aboard the U.S.S. McGowan, DD-678. Prior to his honorable discharge from active duty, he was awarded a number of decorations including:

-the Naval Commendation,

-the Combat Action Ribbon,

-the American Campaign Medal,

-the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars and 1 silver Battle Star,

-the European-African Campaign Medal,

-the World War II Victory Medal,

-the Occupational Service Medal,

-the Good Conduct Medal,

-the Philippine Republic Medal,

-the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars and

-the Philippine Independence Medal.

In 1948, Dick married Marguerite Searles in Tewksbury’s Saint Williams Church. They settled in Southern California where they had six children. They remained in So. Cal. for 10 years. The family moved back to Massachusetts in 1962. Always a hard worker, Dick was employed as a production control supervisor by the Verbex System Company of Cambridge until his retirement in 1986.

He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post # 8819 of Billerica and the D.A.V. Post # 47 of Billerica. In addition, he was a member and organizer of the U.S.S. McGowan Reunion Association and author/editor of the annual USS McGowan Newsletter.

Dick is survived by his beloved friend and companion of 27 years, Gloria (Brenda) Brisendine. He is survived by three daughters and two sons: Ellen Mackey of Los Angeles, CA; Mary Beth Maclean and her husband Donald of Salina, KS; Theresa James and her husband Bernard of Concordia, KS; Dennis Mackey and his wife Nancy of Tucson, AZ; and Stephen Mackey and his wife Linda of Merced, CA. Dick was the father of the late Betsy Mackey.

He is also survived by his four sisters and two brothers: Ellen “Peg” Keefe, Mary  “Allie” Casazza, Theresa “Tess” Berube, Rita Dee, Edward “Ned” Mackey, and James Mackey and his wife Carol all of Tewksbury, MA. His much loved brother, Joe, preceded him in death. Additionally survived by 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

We miss you, Dad. See you later . . .