Richard J. Fanning

Richard J. Fanning, 77, of Pawleys Island passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at his home just a few days shy of his 78th birthday.

Rich, born and raised in the Yorkville section of Manhattan, was the eldest son of Joseph and Vera Fanning. He married his high school sweetheart, Anita Wright, in 1965 and lived in The Bronx, NY, before relocating the family to Rockaway Beach, Queens. Their affinity of living near the ocean never left them as they also called Silver Beach, VA, Bluffton, SC and Pawleys Island, SC their home. His one regret was not moving to Pawleys Island sooner.

Rich began his life of public service as a NYC Transit Police Officer in 1966 and in 1968 his childhood dream of becoming a NYC firefighter was realized. He worked in the South Bronx before getting the first of many promotions through the ranks. Having served in Brooklyn and Manhattan, he retired in 1999 as a Deputy Chief covering Midtown Manhattan, having earned a reputation for bravery, loyalty and fairness as a leader. He volunteered briefly following the chaos of 9/11 to help his fellow FDNY brothers and sisters.

As a dedicated family man, he spent much of his free time with Anita, children and eventually grandchildren. He had a cornucopia of friends that he cared for and often surprised them, and sometimes complete strangers, with gifts and tokens of appreciation. He was rarely seen without a smile or a kind word and everyone he met quickly became a friend. He was a true humanitarian.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita, son Michael, wife Donna, of Pawleys Island and daughter, Karen McGlade, husband Thomas, of Carmel, NY. Grandchildren are Kevin, Edward, Christopher, and Brenna. Also survived by loving siblings Dennis, Timothy, Veronica, Margaret, and Joseph. He also held a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held at Burroughs Funeral Home on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 4-7 PM. Funeral will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Precious Blood of Christ Church at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org/donate) 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10306.

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843-651-1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.