Richard Louis "Dick" McCauley

Shushan- Richard Louis “Dick” McCauley, 86, of Shushan, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls.

Dick was born January 26, 1938 in Cambridge, the son of the late William and Maxine (McClellan) McCauley. Dick was a 1956 graduate of Salem Washington Academy and during his high school career was a member of the track team. He ran the mile. Story has it that his father told him he wouldn’t attend track meets unless Dick won. Dick went on to win many races! He was a champion miler, having won everything except states.

Dick was also a Boy Scout in high school. He reached the rank of Life. In 1954, he had the opportunity to attend the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High-Adventure Base, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. This was a highlight of his life.

He went on to attend the University of Miami with hopes of becoming a physical education teacher, but he returned to the family dairy farm, where he had worked since the age of 7. He learned how to work the land with horses and was very proud of that. He gave the farm 43 years of his life and retired in 1989 at the age of 51. He then moved to Florida for several years. In 1997 he and his son, Rick, returned to Shushan.

Dick enjoyed weight lifting and built his own gym in the mid 1950’s at his parent’s farmhouse. Many people loved to drop by and work out there. He had saved up to buy Olympic barbells, making his gym special. When he had his Shushan home built, he included a pit in the cellar where he could continue to lift weights.

Dick was a car enthusiast. His first sports car was a 1950’s Jaguar convertible. He owned and drove a number of sports cars throughout the years, including a 2003 Dodge Viper with 500 horsepower, but the Jaguar remained his favorite. He loved to tinker with every car he owned-always adding more horsepower!

He took to the sky in the mid 1960’s when he earned his pilot’s license. He never owned his own plane, but he was a member of the Cambridge Valley Flying Club and had the opportunity to fly the club’s planes.

Dick enjoyed serving his community. In 1958, he served in the New York National Guard 27th Armored Division out of Hoosick Falls. In the early 1990’s, Dick was a member of the Shushan Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Shushan United Presbyterian Church for most of his life. He was very involved with the church and served as an elder.

He also enjoyed being outdoors. He went hiking and canoeing with his sons, Chad and Rick, in the Adirondacks. They hiked and paddled for a total of 43 trips from 1997-2008, including many high peaks and in 1999 he summited Mt. Marcy, the highest peak. He would also find projects around the house to keep himself and Rick busy. Sometimes the projects weren’t even necessary, but it got them outdoors! When he wasn’t outdoors, he was appreciating history in books, on TV, or in person. He also really loved listening to Country music.

Dick was a member of the Circle K Regulators, which is a Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) club that’s affiliated with the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), of which he was also a member. SASS is an international membership organization where members share a common interest in preserving the history of the Old West and competitive shooting in a safe, fun, family-friendly environment. Attending these events was like stepping back into the old West. Dick dressed the part of a Cowboy and was humorously known as “ItchyTrigger”.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Carol Williams, and his son, Rick McCauley. He is survived by his children, Dawn Maher of San Francisco, CA, Chad (Wendy) McCauley of Cambridge, Annette (Dan) Rivard of Edina, MN, six grandchildren, Ardi and Yasamin Maher, Jessie and Ethan McCauley, and Tyler and Ryan Rivard, and one great grandchild, Hanna Maher, a sister, Janet Record Ryan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a calling hour from 12-1pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 with a funeral service following at 1pm at the Shushan United Presbyterian Church, 730 County Route 64, Shushan with Rev. Carol Finke officiating. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Shushan United Presbyterian Church, 730 County Route 64, Shushan, NY 12873 or to the Shushan Volunteer Fire Department, 736 County Route 64, Shushan, NY 12873.

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