Richard L. McFeeters Sr.'s Obituary
Richard Lee McFeeters Sr., A Master Chief Navy Veteran, Dies at 96
Richard Lee McFeeters Sr., Naval Master Chief Cryptologic Technician A 1944-1982, died of natural causes on June 1, 2018 at Brightview Assisted Living in Mount Laurel New Jersey. He was 96. A resident of Cinnaminson since 1960.
“He was tough,” son Rich McFeeters Jr said. Richard McFeeters Sr is survived by his two sons Rich and John, their wives Laurie and Cynthia, and two grandchildren Erin and Kerry. He also had strong relationships with his family members of the Fleck, Lamont, Atchison, Ottenbreit and McFeeters families.
Born in Chester Hill PA, attending Philipsburg High School, Mr. McFeeters, known as Dick, Dad, Uncle Dick and Grandpa to many, was active during World War II and was in the Naval Reserves for the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
As a Cryptologic Technician he was responsible for analyzing encrypted electronic communications, jam enemy radar signals, decipher information in foreign languages and maintain state of the art equipment and networks used to generate top secret intel.
“We always thought he was a spy,” Rich and John explained, “All we ever saw were pictures of him playing tennis in Puerto Rico.”
During his time of service, he was awarded Good Conduct, Victory WW II, Reserve Special (3 Bronze), Naval Reserve, American Campaign, Armed Forces Reserve (Hour Glass), and National Defense.
“Our summer vacations were his two weeks of active duty each year,” said son John, “We went to Bainbridge, Pensacola, Gettysburg…”
Following World War II, Richard Sr. married Dorothy Jean Lamont in 1960, moved to a new development in Cinnaminson NJ, and lived there ever since.
In sickness and health Richard Sr. took care of his wife who was diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis in the last 12 years of her life. “He took care of her basically himself for those twelve years,” said Richard Jr.
Richard Sr. served as assistant Vice President of loans at the Fidelity Bank in Philadelphia for more than twenty years. “He used to walk us around at Christmas time and his boss would hand my brother and I a $20 bill,” said Richard Jr.
A philanthropist at heart Richard Sr. was active with the local Boy Scout Troops, donated to the Sierra Club, worked with Multiple Sclerosis organizations after his wife’s passing, and was a health inspector for Cinnaminson Township. Throughout that time, he was a member of the Moshannon Masonic Lodge in Philipsburg PA, and as a 33rd degree member he exemplified immense leadership qualities and a desire to serve his community.
A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday 10 -11 a.m. at the Covenant Presbyterian Church 2618 New Albany Road Cinnaminson, NJ. His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.
Interment, with Military Honors, will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made National Multiple Sclerosis Society PO Box 4527 NY, NY 10163 nationalmssociety.org and /or Sierra Club sierraclub.org
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?