Richard Allen McKoy Jr.

OBITUARY

Richard Allen McKoy Jr

Richard Allen McKoy Jr was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 6, 1964, to the late Hattie Lee Charles McKoy and Richard Allen McKoy Senior.  His family eventually relocated to Queens, New York.

Known to family and friends as “Allen” - Richard attended the following educational institutions: Our Lady of Good Counsel Pre-K; P.S. 309 K-3; Gilbert School 5-8; Eastern Military Academy grades 9-10 in Huntington, NY; York Institute – 11^th grade; Truitt Technical School – 12^th grade.  He also attended Hampton University.  Richard received his BA from the City University of New York, York College.

Richard was a very active member of the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church and served on the Laymen Committee, Scholarship Committee, Security Team and Male Choir.  He was also a gifted musician who played the piano by ear and recently took up the Base Guitar.  He loved challenging himself to learn new music and shared his talent with young people.  His love for teaching music reached many arenas, forms and types of music.  He was also a gifted songwriter and wrote many songs and lyrics.  He played the piano for several churches, Community groups and senior centers.  Music was a huge part of his life.

Public service was his passion, and Richard was employed and served in the NYS Assembly under Assemblyman Albert Vann, and Assemblywoman Michelle Titus; he served in the NYS Senate with Senator Malcolm Smith.  In addition, Richard worked as a lobbyist for Pat Lynch & Associates.  He also founded the lobbying firm Nexus Global Solutions. While working in the NYS Assembly, Richard became ill and was currently out on long-term disability at the time of his passing.

Richard’s passion was in serving the people of New York State.  He worked tirelessly in developing new and innovative approaches to the work of Public Policy, specifically in the areas of education and healthcare.  He truly was dedicated and committed to civic duty. Outside of his employment, Richard was a proud and devoted member of Prince Hall Mason.  He was the Junior Deacon of Capital City Lodge #78, Albany, New York. He was a member of the Albany Consistory #90 and was a 32º Mason.  He was also a Prince Hall Shriner of Altabari Temple #121. Richard was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Richard also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Village of Menands April- December 2005.Richard was united in Holy Matrimony to Tarasha (Darden) McKoy on June 29, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Tarasha (Darden) McKoy of 28 years; their two sons: Quentel Allen McKoy (daughter-in-love Shamara McKoy, Mother Chalon Hayslett); Richard Allen McKoy III, daughter Tarallen Alexis McKoy, sister Dawn Renite McKoy (Queens, NY); grandchildren Kiasia Green, Jayleen Green, Tyshawn Sprinkle, Myracle Robinson, and Preston Broughton.

Niece Richelle McKoy, grandniece Alana James McKoy, grandnephews Amir and Aman and Nephew Ric-Shawn McKoy; Richard was also the official and unofficial Godfather to: Amber Gilliam, Bianca Stinney, Kevena Sheldon, Nyree Sheldon, Harmony Sheldon,My’lija’Jackson, Mattie Allen, Fredericka Ndonga and Lae’Lee Allen.

Maternal Aunts: Lela Walker (deceased); Rev. Bettye L. Wilson (Queens, NY); Maternal Uncle: Joseph Leslie Charles (deceased); Mary Allison Harrison Paternal Aunts: Dorothy Ingram Wilmington (deceased); Julia Linton (Miami, Fl); Paternal Uncles: Harold McKoy Sr. (Mary Mckoy) Yonkers, NY; Velinza (Flint) McKoy (Willie Mae Castle) Hayne, SC; and Alonza (Rock) Allen, Wilmington, SC (deceased); and a host of cousins and friends including his Monroe Street family. 

 The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center, Albany, NY. Metropolitan Church family and extended church families and friends that have supported and assisted during Richard illness, visiting nurses, physical therapist, transportation and medical needs.

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