Richard Henry McBride

2 weeks ago June Hunt

October 19, 1927 – May 24, 2024

With heavy hearts, the McBride family sadly announces the passing of our beloved Richard Henry McBride. A cherished patriarch, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. While in his cherished house in Ferrum, Virginia on May 23, 2024, God called Richard home.  He was a beacon of love, warmth, wisdom, and kindness, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and the enduring glow of his engaging personality. A light that will shine forever.

Richard H. McBride was born on October 19, 1927 in Crumpler, West Virginia to the late William Moir McBride and Beatrice Spencer.  The son of a coal miner, he had nine sisters: Annie, Mamie, Gladys (Honey), Phoebe, Jeanette, Patricia (Pattie), Martha (Bonnie), Betty, and Laura (Marie) and nine brothers: Robert Moir (Buss) John Henry, Lincoln, Thomas (Tom), Charles (Jake), Arthur (Bully), Paul, David, and Alfred. His childhood was spent in Crumpler, where he carried out daily chores on the family farm. He attended Elkhorn High School, graduating with honors in 1945. Driven by a sense of duty, Richard enlisted in the United States Army on May 31, 1945, a decision that would profoundly shape his values and work ethic. He received the World War II Victory Medal.

After fulfilling his enlistment, Richard briefly worked in the West Virginia coal mines, before traveling to NYC  where he worked for the United States Postal Service.  Fueled by his passion for justice, Richard moved to St. Albans, Queens, New York and joined the New York City Police Department in 1955, moving through the ranks to Deputy Chief while at the same time embarking on a journey of higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College in New York, NY, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in law enforcement. Richard’s dedication and leadership were evident throughout his 33-year tenure, serving in all five boroughs with the New York City Police Department.  From his early days of patrolling Queen’s 110th Precinct, Commanding Officer of Brooklyn’s 73th Precinct and Harlem’s 28th Precinct, other assignments with the Patrol Boroughs of the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, culminating in his eventual promotion and appointment to Deputy Chief, Patrol Borough, Staten Island, before retiring in 1989. Richard’s ascent through the ranks was a testament to his integrity, fairness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community and safety. His colleagues and subordinates revered him, not only for his professional acumen, but also for his compassion and mentorship. Beyond his distinguished career, Richard was a devoted husband and father.

Richard married his lifelong companion Wilma Henville in 1951 and shared 73 years of love and devotion. Together, they raised a beautiful family of ten children: Leita (Chicky), Richard (Ricky), Bonita (Bonnie), Robert (Bobby), Anton (Tony), Lisa (Tyna), Sean (Nick), Lena, Christi and Gerald (Raldi). Sadly, his eldest daughter Leita (Chicky) preceded him in death.

During retirement, Richard moved to Bayside Queens, and also embraced the opportunity of re-designing and improving his property in Virginia with assistance of his siblings. He embraced the serene beauty of his Virginia property, calling it his 2nd home, away from the bustling city of New York, where he found solace and contentment amidst the rolling hills and tranquil surroundings each year.  

An avid reader, storyteller, and lover of music and nature, he delighted in the simple pleasures of life, and cherished moments spent with family and friends. Richard’s quick wit, and sense of humor and charm created a haven of laughter and treasured memories, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever illuminate the lives of those he touched. Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Wilma, his three sisters: Patty, Jeanette, and Marie, and several in-laws who all affectionately called him “Spooky”, his nine children who knew him simply as “Dad”, his adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren who knew him as “Poppi”, and a host of several nieces and nephews who affectionately called him “Uncle Spooky”, as well as extended family and friends, who will continue to honor his memory by embodying the wisdom, love, and compassion he imparted. Richard’s life was a testament to the power of devotion, purpose, and the enduring bonds of family.  A special thank-you to Richard’s neighbor and protégé, Matthew Byers, for his unwavering care, support, loyalty, and friendship for over 30 years. Although Richard has departed this world, his love and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.  

Rest in Peace Dad, Richard, Spooky, Uncle Spooky, and Poppi: your light will shine on in eternity! Funeral services will be held at J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home 10:00 a.m. Friday June 14, 2024.