Richard J. "Dick" McCracken of San Antonio, Texas entered eternal life on December 5, 2016. Dick was born on December 29, 1938 to Margaret V. and Clarence McCracken. He was the youngest of six children, and he dedicated his life to his family and the University of the Incarnate Word. Dick received a BA in English from St. Johns University in 1962 and an MA in 1966. He paid for his education working by day while carrying a full course load at night. Despite this difficult schedule, he became the first night student to be inducted into the prestigious Skull and Circle Honor Society, the highest honor bestowed on a SJU student.

Upon completion of his studies, Mother Columkille Colbert, then President of Incarnate Word College, interviewed Dick in New York and invited him to teach at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. Thus began a dedicated life of service which spanned more than 50 years. Dick became a beloved professor of English and subsequently held several administrative positions, including Director of Public Relations, Assistant to the President, and Dean of Alumni.

Dick earned the rare privilege of serving under six presidents of IWC and UIW. Each of them recognized and appreciated his dedication and unique contribution to the institution. Dick weathered the many changes as Incarnate Word College was transformed into the University of the Incarnate Word. He continued to work as a prospect researcher for the Development and Alumni Office until just weeks before his death.

UIW awarded Dick the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree in 2005. Subsequently, longtime friend Mary Helen "Pinkie" Pinner endowed a scholarship in Dick's name to commemorate his devotion to the University. This scholarship is awarded to a working adult student, a tribute to those who work their way through school, as Dick had done. In 2013, UIW opened the McCracken House, current home of the Development and Alumni Offices, to recognize Dick's service to UIW and particularly to its alumni.

Proud of his Irish Catholic heritage, Dick was chosen as a 2016 honoree of the Harp and Shamrock Society in recognition of his contribution to Education in San Antonio and his on-going support of Irish Culture in Texas.

Among Dick's many passions were baking, theatre, art, literature, writing, poetry, and knowing about anything involving his adopted hometown of San Antonio. His theatre interest dated to high school, where he was known to excel in supporting roles. Maureen Halligan and Ronald Ibbs, long-time artists-in-residence at UIW, were numbered among Dick's dearest friends. He was a master chef and plum pudding aficionado whose baking came to a crescendo prior to Christmas each year. He baked in quantities similar to those produced at commercial plants and delivered delicious gifts to friends and family around the world.

Dick was an amazing sibling, uncle, cousin and nephew, proving that distance is no barrier for love. His kindness and brilliance were only matched by a quick New York wit. His constant flow of cards, gifts, baked goods and encouraging notes kept postal workers busy up and down the east coast. More than once he carried oversized piñatas on flights to NY for birthday celebrations. His gift list grew as the family tree expanded.

Dick had a deep love, devotion and respect for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and understood more than most their accomplishments in San Antonio. Dick was a member and past president of the Board of St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home, one of the early mission sites of the Sisters.

Dick was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers Alfred (June) and Ernest (Agnes), his sister Margaret who raised him after he lost his mother at age 11, and Kathleen (Joseph), brother-in-law George, and nephews William and Paul. He also lost his beloved cat Duveen in 2015.

Dick is survived by his sister Ann Brzezinski of Massapequa NY as well as nieces Kathleen, Donna (Dennis), Susan (Tim), Jean (Steve), Ann, and nephews Alfred Patrick (Lorraine), Michael, Thomas, Kenneth (Maureen), Mark (Janice), Paul (Therese), and George (Denise).

A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 14, at 10:00 AM. Both will be held at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word 4503 Broadway, San Antonio, TX. Inurnment will immediately follow Mass at the Cemetery of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com .

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McCracken Family Endowed Scholarship, c/o Development Department, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 or Visitation House Ministries. P.O. Box 12074, San Antonio, TX, 78212.