Richard Joseph Mackey died peacefully in his sleep on July 2, surrounded by his loving family in Falmouth. He was 85.

Richard was born May 4, 1927, on Staten Island, N.Y., the son of George and Anna Mackey and brother of Evelyn. In 1944 he left high school to join the U.S. Army’s efforts in World War II. At age 17 he found himself in the Battle of the Bulge, where his service in that conflict resulted in his receiving a Bronze Star.

His early education and training in electronics led to positions with RCA, working in the emerging field of television. He also worked for an extended period in the government’s missile defense program in White Sands, N.M. He went on to hold sales positions with RJ Reynolds and AMF, before accepting a management position with MTI in Latham, New York.

Richard Mackey had a lifelong passion for saltwater fishing and successfully competed in many fishing tournaments in the U.S. and other countries. He was devoted to his family, and is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 63 years who is currently at Windemere nursing and rehabilitation center; his children Brian, Denis, Richard, George and Janice; his nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nine brothers in law.

A private service will be held on Martha’s Vineyard, where members of his family reside.