Richard W. ("Big Dick") Hackett, Sr.

Richard William Hackett Sr. (best known as “Big Dick”) passed away surrounded by his family on August 7, 2025.  Richard was born on August 29, 1939 and was a graduate of Central High School, Philadelphia PA and soon after joined the United States Marine Corp.  He vacationed in Lacey Township with his family since the 1950’s before becoming a permanent resident in 1964 after he married his wife of 60 years Donna and had two sons Rich Jr. and Rhett.  It was at this time he became a salesman for Shore Sites operated by Charlie Pearl until 1974 when he joined the sales team at Causeway Ford in Manahawkin, NJ where he continued to work for 50 years selling a countless number of cars and trucks. 

Active in his community, Richard participated in Lacey’s Businessmen’s Association, vice president of the republican club, mayor’s advisory council, V.F.W Post #10118, and charter member of the Lacey Elks #2518.  His extended service included being chairmen of the Lacey Heart Association for 20 years, and past president/member of the Forked River Rotary Club for 30 years.

Richard enjoyed a good game of golf, dancing, fishing with his brother-in-law Bill, playing practical jokes on his family & friends, along with telling many stories to get a laugh from whatever audience he was speaking to.  He enjoyed attending just about any party but nothing could beat the joy he felt by throwing his own birthday parties self-titled as B.D.B.D. for “Big Dick’s Birth Day”. 

An outstanding Husband, Father, Pee-Pop, and Great-Grandfather, Richard was predeceased by his wife Donna; his mother and father Charlotte and William Hackett; and his sister Emily Ridgway

He is survived by his two sons Richard W. Hackett Jr., (Kathryn) and Rhett Hackett (Sheryl); four grandchildren, Steven (Stephanie), David, Paige, and Logan, and two great-grandchildren, Joshua and Michaella, brother-in-law William Ridgway Sr. Nephews William Ridgway Jr, Randall Ridgway (Michelle), niece Lynn Leach (William), and Cousin Lisa Clark (Robert)

Friends and Family will celebrate the extraordinary life of Richard on what would have been his 86th B.D.B.D - Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Captain’s Inn, Lacey Road Forked River NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to his son’s self-founded charity the Humanity Preservation Foundation which seeks to heal & protect victims from child abuse. Please see link below.

The Humanity Preservation Foundation

12 Dalton Place, Sicklerville, NJ 08081

855-473-4255

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5P8N7ZL4TTH6G

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