Richard W. Moody

Richard William Moody of Branchburg, NJ - caring grandfather, proud father, devoted husband, loyal friend, meticulous planner, graceful square dancer, avid puzzler, chocolate chip cookie baker, car enthusiast, coin collector, perpetual tinkerer, lover of nature, faithful believer - died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the age of 77 with his loving wife by his side.

He was the beloved husband of Mary McKinnon Moody for 54 years, proud father to four children, and loving Pop to five grandchildren.

Born in Millington, NJ on April 28, 1947 to Theodore Whittle Moody and Laura May Hazen, the second oldest of four sons, Richard was the first in his family to pursue a postsecondary education, and received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1970 from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

Richard married his college sweetheart, Mary McKinnon of Warren, NJ in January 1971. The two were unstoppable in everything from road rally racing to square dancing. They led a co-ed Explorer Scout Troop, joined bowling leagues, walked the Philadelphia half marathon, hiked Mount Washington, and kayaked everywhere from Round Valley Reservoir to Thousand Islands, NY, home of the family summer cottage. The two ultimately settled in Branchburg, NJ where they raised their family and have been part of the community for 45 years.

The proud father of four children, Richard spent countless nights at the kitchen table supervising math homework completion, playing games, and planning detailed outdoor excursions for the family, including a 10-day canoe trip down the Allagash River in Maine, a 14-day RV trip out West, and many winter ski trips. He coached recreational soccer teams, assisted with 4-H sheep projects, and project-managed the construction of everything from science fair projects and go-karts to potato cannons. As “Pop” to five grandchildren, Richard was proud to attend recitals and games, lose card games, share desserts, build Legos, and read stories.

Within the community, Richard was an involved leader - elected to the local Republican District Committee, member of the Somerset County Planning Board, Bible study leader, and a long-time member of the Hunterdon Flutterwheels Square Dance Club where Mary is a caller. He was known to always be smiling and dancing, attending dances late into life, and always being supportive to Mary as a dutiful “caller hauler.”

Richard spent his career as a knowledgeable and well-respected engineer, supervising projects that included the construction of the Surry Nuclear Power Station in Surry, Virginia, the stream restoration of the Rancocas Creek in Burlington County, NJ, the restoration of the Texier House in Watchung, NJ, and design-build construction projects under Moody & Moody, Inc. As a licensed professional engineer, he was the municipal engineer for the Borough of Watchung, Roxbury Township and City of New Brunswick. Richard built the long, wooden stairs at the family’s Thousand Islands cottage and installed the beautiful wraparound deck for his Branchburg home that hosted family picnics and square dances with friends.

In early 2024, Richard was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the terminal asbestos-linked cancer. Despite this diagnosis, Richard went on to enjoy top-down convertible car drives, countless puzzles, square dances, visits with family and friends, and outdoor walks.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Theodore W. Moody and Laura May Hazen, and his brothers, David Moody and John Moody. Richard is survived by his wife, Mary M. Moody, his brother, Theodore Moody, and his four children, Laura Tessieri (John Tessieri III), Erin Csernica (Christopher Csernica), Elizabeth Kiniery (Jeffrey Kiniery), and David Moody (Jayne Moody nee Dzuback); as well as five beautiful grandchildren, Amelia and Owen Tessieri, Summer and Callum Csernica, and Robyn Moody. 

Richard’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home located at 147 Main Street in Flemington, NJ. His celebration of life service will follow at 12:15pm at the Flemington United Methodist Church, 116 Main Street in Flemington, NJ with a repast following. His final resting place will be the Riverside Cemetery on Wellesley Island, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Westminster Park Memorial Society, 47599 Westminster Park Road, Wellesley Island, NY 13640, or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (https://appalachiantrail.org). 

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.