Obituary: Richard Joseph Hawkey, formerly of North Massapequa, Dies at 93

Died: Saturday, September 17

Visitation: Tuesday, September 20 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Chapey and Sons Funeral Home on 20 Hicksville Road in Bethpage.

Service: Wednesday, September 21 starting at 10:15 a.m. at the St. James Church on Hicksville Road in Seaford.

Obituary: Richard Joseph Hawkey, formerly of North Massapequa, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17. He was 93.

Richard was born in New York City in 1923 to Richard Hawkey and Elsie McGinley.

He was raised primarily in Valley Stream, where he attended Central High School. A

ctive in drama and the newspaper, he also met his future wife, Marion Riordan, there.

After working at the Daily News as a runner, Richard served his country in the U.S. Army in WW II, rising to Master Sergeant. He served in the European theater until 1946, returning with a desire to teach.

After graduating from St. John’s University, he taught English at St. John’s Prep in Brooklyn.

When Richard and Marion moved their growing family to North Massapequa, he began a distinguished career in the Levittown Public Schools, from which he retired in 1988.

While at Levittown Memorial, he not only shared his passion for language and literature with thousands of students, he also advised the newspaper and served as department chairman.

After retiring from full time teaching, he continued to teach for another 15 years as an adjunct instructor at Hofstra University.

In their nearly 64 years together, Richard and Marion shared many interests: going to the theater, especially Broadway, watching classic movies, and avidly following current events and politics.

Richard was known for his dry wit, his dedication to education, and his devotion to his wife and family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses: Mary and Tom Verdi, Regina and Jeffrey Vieira, Marian Hawkey, Richard and Maryanne Hawkey, John Hawkey, and Rosemary Hawkey.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ellie, Rina, Avi, Francis, Elsie, Grayce, and Adam; five great-grandchildren: Gia, Adigan, Jack, Isabella and Andre; and sisters-in-law Audrey and Ann.

Richard was predeceased by his brother Robert and sister Eileen.

Memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be greatly appreciated.

Photo and info via Chapey and Sons Funeral Home