Richard Egan McConnell, born June 26, 1936, passed away on July 30.

Born in Pennsylvania, Richard grew up on the East Coast, and spent some of his teenage years in and around New York City. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, joined the U.S. Merchant Mariners, certified for various seaman duties, QMED, Refrigerating Engineer, Oiler, Deck Engineer, Fireman, Junior Engineer, Electrician, Machinist.

During his years as a Merchant Mariner he traveled the world, spending some time in the Middle East and his travels brought him to the Port of Dutch Harbor. Richard moved to Unalaska to work as a welder, and in 1995 was hired as a crane mechanic and worked on the crane at the City’s dock for 15 plus years.

Being the resourceful man Richard was, he proceeded to open and operate his own heating business, installing heating and boiler systems and repairing Toyo Stoves. Richard spent 38 plus years in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska which he called his home.

Richard’s favorite place to have coffee and a good meal was Amelia’s Restaurant where he enjoyed the company of many good friends. McConnell was baptized in the Presbyterian church, he was a Christian in his faith, and spent his last few years going to the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Richard was a hardworking, honest, kind person, and a true patriotic American, and was always willing to give to Veteran charitable causes. Richard liked to study events of World War II, and still has his genuine Bomber’s Jacket from his time in the U.S. Air Force, and had a current subscription to a War II magazine.

Unalaska/Dutch Harbor was a better place to live and greatly blessed to have Richard as a member of the community and as our neighbor.