Richard McCourt, 81, Deming, New Mexico resident passed away Friday October 9, 2015 at his home. after a long illness.

A celebration of Richard's life will follow at a later date both in Deming and New Jersey. Cremation will be by Baca's Mimbres Crematory.

He was born December 2, 1933 to Thomas and Anna McCourt in Newark, New Jersey. Richard graduated from Barringer High School in Newark, N.J. He worked as a fingerprint technician for the Newark Police Department until he joined the Marine Corps in 1953. After serving in the military for three years and attaining the rank of Sergeant he was honorably discharged in 1956. Richard worked in construction and ultimately became a driver-salesman for several bread companies in New Jersey, including Lazzara's Pechter's, and Wonder Bread.

Richard was a lifelong NY Giants football fan and an ardent Democrat. After he moved to New Mexico in 1998 his life was enhanced by his love of his six Border Collies and by his appreciation of the history and natural beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Richard was a devoted husband to his wife of forty four years, Prinnie Louise McCourt. He was a loving father to his seven children: Cynthia McCourt of Brick, NJ, Michael McCourt and his wife Karen of West Milford, NJ, Stacey Sweeney and husband Daniel of Waterbury Center, VT, Richard P. McCourt and wife Lori of Brick, NJ, Stephen McCourt and wife Lori of Chapin, SC, John McCourt and wife Juana of Beachwood, NJ and Christopher McCourt and wife Marlene of Houston, TX. Richard leaves behind 15 grandchildren, that all have many happy memories of times with their grandfather.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Lung Association.