Cover photo for Richard Charles Mabee's Obituary
Richard Charles Mabee Profile Photo
1942 Richard 2019

Richard Charles Mabee

August 31, 1942 — July 12, 2019

Richard Charles Mabee: MacGyver, Elder, Sailor, Family Hero. Rich, 76, of Cranford was called home to Heaven on Friday, July 12, 2019 following a brief illness. Rich grew up in Winfield Park where he had an idyllic childhood romping through the neighborhood and playing on the river. He married the love of his life, Betty Heyns, at age 21 and they enjoyed 56 blessed years of marriage together. Rich and Betty raised three children together in Cranford and the family treasured spending time on their sailboat.
Rich had a fruitful and interesting career in which he made great friends everywhere he went. Rich was a passionate sailor; he was a member of the Raritan Yacht Club. In 2002, he sailed from Cape Town, South Africa across the Atlantic. This trip was a highlight of his life.
Rich was an elder at Cranford Alliance Church where he and Betty were lifetime members. He was deeply committed and connected to his church family. Rich's family is so proud of the legacy he leaves behind. Rich was a man who lived his faith fully until his last breath, a husband who was in love with his wife for nearly 60 years, a dad who fixed all the things in all the ways, and a grandfather who was so incredibly proud of his eleven grandchildren. He was the people's person, a faithful friend to many, and a pillar at church. He was the family's hero.
Rich's family includes his beloved wife, Betty Heyns Mabee, his children Robin and Tom Johnstone, Leanne and Mike Templeton, Rich and Lisa Mabee, and their children. Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and the funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Both events will take place at Cranford Alliance Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gateway Pregnancy Center would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements by Gray Funeral Directors, Cranford. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to view Rich's online Life Tribute.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Charles Mabee, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Cranford Alliance Church

7 Cherry St, Cranford, NJ 07016

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Memorial Service

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Cranford Alliance Church

7 Cherry St, Cranford, NJ 07016

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