Richard L. McCoy, Jr.
- bukladmemorial
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
October 23, 1970 - July 14, 2025
Richard L. McCoy, Jr., 54, of Hamilton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of
his family.
Rich was born in Laurel, Maryland, on October 23, 1970 to Carolyn Ellett and Richard McCoy Sr. When he was approximately 5 years old, Richard’s life journey began with a move to East Windsor. Not long after, his family settled in Hamilton Township, where Richard spent his formative years and remained a proud resident for many years, eventually returning after a couple of decades after living in various towns in North and South Jersey.
After earning his undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, he began his professional career working for a local magazine publication in North Jersey. Even after finding his career passion, he continued his appreciation for the artistic work expressed in graphic design as a freelance designer for several years, notably for the non-profit Centurion in Princeton, NJ.
Rich’s passion for making a meaningful impact on young lives led him to further his education, earning a Graduate degree in Library Science and a graduate certification in ESL. Rich soon transitioned into the field of teaching—a calling he embraced wholeheartedly. For over a decade, Richard devoted himself to educating and inspiring children in Library Science, first in Camden and later in Trenton. He found his “work home” at Copeland Elementary (formerly Columbus Elementary) where he made a lasting impact as a compassionate, engaging, and dedicated educator, earning a Governor's Teacher of the Year award in 2025.
A true musician at heart since his teenage years Rich had a deep love for music, especially Heavy Metal and its many subgenres. He was a talented songwriter and doom metal singer, releasing several songs with the band Majesty in Ruin.
His love of music included an impressive catalog of original vinyl albums that reflected his eclectic taste and unwavering passion for many music styles. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed building and collecting model kits, a hobby that combined his love of detail, craftsmanship, and creativity.
In 2016, he met who would soon become the love of his life- his sweetie, Laila. Their soul tie blossomed and although neither of them had ever planned to marry again, they happily wed on August 7, 2021. This union was one of Rich's greatest joys, stating it provided a love he never knew was possible. He reveled in their love for each other, being a wonderful husband, a co-parent to Brie and Rell, and a pet-parent to their numerous furry children. Outside of work, Rich enjoyed a simple life, finding his success in being a wonderful son, brother, husband, co-parent, and friend. He is loved by many, and we will never forget his loving spirit, altruistic nature, and (of course) his dad jokes and sarcasm.
Richard is predeceased by his brother, Kevin McCoy; stepfather, Herbert Kisamore; and his “favorite child”, his beloved cat Chibi. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Laila Wilson-McCoy, and his two bonus children Brie and Rell; his mother, Carolyn Kisamore; his parents, Richard and Mary Ann McCoy; his aunt Susie Collier (Gary); siblings, Danny McCoy, Regina Ralph, Kenny Kisamore, and Stacy McCoy (Casey); his mother-in-law, Rudine Smith; father-in-law, W. Deen Shareef (Helen); brother-in-law, Wayne Shakir Wilson (Charissa); sister-in-law, Michelle McCoy; god-sister, Stephanie Canciello; nieces and nephews, Brennen, Madison, Shannon, Atticus, Kellen, Anissa, Pierce, and arriving soon Esme; and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and supportive colleagues at Copeland Elementary and Centurion.
A Gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Hamilton, NJ 08620. Private repast immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centurion Ministries Inc, Princeton, NJ - Centurion.org.
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I’m shocked and saddened! So sorry to hear of Rich’s passing!
Although I haven’t seen Rich in some years. I’ll never forget him. We attended Nottingham high school together. Rich was not only a great friend he introduced me to sooooo many great bands. He used to make me cassette tapes with tons of different metal bands I’ve never heard of. It was my introduction to metal. We would hang out at lunch and talk music along with our mutual friend Greg. After school we would hang sometimes. Greg and I played guitar and Rich sang. We would jam in Greg’s garage and even wrote a song… it was the first band that I was ever in…….Great memories!!!
Some years…
Thank you ❤️
I pray you are doing well.
Laila
My heart aches for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My Thanksgiving holidays were some of the best days of my life. I always looked forward to spending time with Rich and his family, so many fond memories. Rich was a wonderful person who lit up the room and always made me laugh. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
My love is always with you, Aunt Debbie
There is no words, but I hope you feel the love and support surrounding you
Dolores Leonard
Deareer Laila,
It was a honor and priviledge knowing and working with Richard. He was kind considerate and always engageing. I enjoyed the brief moments of conversation we shared about our work and most importantly the children that we dedicated our lives to educate and serve. He out ran me in this challenge race of life . He will always be remembered and never forgotten in our hearts and minds😘. Sending my sincere sympathy and condolence to your family.
Love and Prayers.
Mrs. Laura Colvin, School Counselor🥰