Much beloved Richard (Ric) Francis McGinn Jr. passed away on February 4, 2021 in Amherst. Born on April 2, 1958 in Quincy, MA to Dick and Marlene McGinn. Ric was big brother to Scott and Susan, and uncle to Meredith, Rachel, and Mojo. His extended family included many sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews whom he considered to be part of his immediate family. Ric was devoted to his daughters, Wyoming and Diyala, and to their mother Shavahn, who ache from his passing but cherish the gifts of their many ‘sparkling days’ together. 

Ric moved to Amherst with his family in 1965. He was educated in the Amherst School System. His teachers appreciated his sense of humor, his curiosity and competitive but compassionate spirit. He excelled at and enjoyed many great years of playing basketball, softball and track both, in high school and in the Amherst town leagues.

Ric was a large man with a gentle heart. Though he was a student at Umass, Amherst in his early adult years, his most valuable lessons were learned outside of a classroom’s four walls. He was an avid reader who loved history; and he was always in the mood for a good laugh.  Ric was a wonderful storyteller, especially when it came to his many colorful experiences growing up in the Valley; and of the many illustrious characters he met along the way.  Much to the chagrin of his golfing buddies he gladly gave up striving for the promise of a hole-in-one to be the best cloth diaper-changer on this side of the Connecticut River. He skied many slopes and shot many hoops with his girls; and he was as famous for his tree-forts outside, as he was for his blanket-forts inside.

As a general contractor and carpenter he built bookshelves, ramps, decks and houses, and even Sukkahs on the Amherst Common.  Ric repaired and maintained many projects large and small all over the Pioneer Valley. He was truly an integral part of this community. A great friend to many, the list of broken hearts is long.  He will be missed by a countless number of friends who often heard the sound of his truck and ladders bouncing and creaking moment’s before seeing his smiling face driving by.

For memorial donations to his daughter’s educational fund please follow this link;

https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-rics-kids?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.