Charles Richard Machnik

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Charles Richard Machnik, who left this world peacefully on October 25, 2026, at the Southern Arizona VA Hospice in Tucson, Arizona after a brief illness at age 91.

Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 7, 1935 to his parents Charles Francis and Julia Kalita Machnik. At age 5, “Richie” moved with his parents to Meriden, Connecticut. The family grew to include his two beloved brothers Stanley Raymond (Sonny) and Edward Thomas (Eddie). During his formative years, he attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School where he was an altar boy. While in high school, he coached a Little League baseball team. After graduating from Meriden High School in 1953, he served in the Air Force from 1953–1957. Richard returned to Meriden and married Beverly Lorraine Ames in 1957 in Meriden, Connecticut. He and Beverly were blessed with five children. In addition to being a devoted father, Richard worked full-time and attended night school for 6 years, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac College. His career in manufacturing management began at Lehrolite working with and for his father. He would go on to work at Jacobs Manufacturing, Gems Sensors and Controls, and Kraft Systems, just to name a few. These roles took the family to various locations including Clemson, SC; Escondido, CA; and North Augusta, SC. After retirement, Richard and Beverly eventually settled in Tucson, Arizona in 1991 where they lived for the remainder of their 59-year marriage.

Richard loved running, bicycling, taking long car trips, playing cards (pinochle), and long phone conversations, emails, and text messaging (even at 91!) with relatives and close friends. He enjoyed following the New York Giants, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres. Although in his early days he was a devoted Brooklyn Dodgers’ fan, he never forgave them for moving to Los Angeles in 1958.

In addition to his brothers, he is survived by his children, Stephen (Bethany), Cynthia (Michael), Thomas (Griselda), Patricia (Michael), and Kathryn (Robert); his grandchildren, Matthew, Richard (Emily), Bogart, Rose, MacMichael, Allison (Allen), Iva, step-grandsons Brian and Eric, and his greatgrandson, William Charles. He took pleasure in visiting with and talking to his grandchildren as well as taking great pride in all their accomplishments, both personal and professional.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, wife Beverly, sisters-in-law Alta Machnik and Sheila Machnik, and brother-in-law Richard Ames.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).

Condolences may be sent to the Machnik Family, 12250 N. Carpas Wash Dr., Marana, AZ 85658.

Plans are being made for a Celebration of Life in February of 2027.