Richard E. Mackey

Dick Mackey was born in 1933, on an Indian Reservation in Mescalero, New Mexico. He came to Phoenix, Arizona in 1949 with Father Albert Braun, to attend St. Mary’s High School. He was a gifted athlete and lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He was the starting quarterback in football for two years. After high school he was recruited by ASU and UofA to play football.

He attended Arizona State University from 1951-1955 and graduated with a BA in Education. As the starting quarterback he had a record for thirteen completed passes in a row and he also had punting records. After college he was recruited by the San Francisco Forty-Niners but was called to serve in the Army.

Dick met his wife Sue at Arizona State University. They had a beautiful love affair for 67 years. They have three children: Tami Glenn (Tim), Karen Kraniger (Mark), Tim Mackey (Lara), ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

His profession was a sales representative for the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline and French. He became regional manager of the western states and worked for this company for forty-one years. During this time his profession took his family to Hawaii, Texas, California and back home to Phoenix, Arizona.

After he retired, he won countless trophies and tournaments in racquetball, going to National Senior Olympics twice, winning the Silver Metal in both Olympics.

Dick and Sue enjoyed cruising and traveling the world together.

Dick will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His beautiful smile could light up a room and his love, faith and kindness were always strong.

A Visitation will be held from 5-5:30 PM with a Rosary recitation at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 8th at 10:00 AM at Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels, 5802 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. Private service will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at https//www.stjude.org.