Keith Stanton Richey of New Canaan, community leader and beloved husband, father, and friend, died suddenly on May 20th, 2025. He was seventy-one years old.
Keith Richey
Born on February 10, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, Keith was the son of Jack Claude Richey and Merle Harriet Falkin. He attended Fairfax High School in Los Angeles and University of Southern California, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1976. Following his graduation, Keith, always allured by Europe, went on a tour through the continent and received news while abroad that he had been admitted to the University of Texas Law School at Austin with a full scholarship. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate in 1979.
After passing the Bar, Keith began his career at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Houston, TX and later became an international tax attorney at Exxon. For two years, Keith lived in Brussels, Belgium, where he met his wife, Marina. They married after just two months of knowing each other, honeymooned together for a year, and settled in East Chester, New York when Keith started work at Mobil.
In 1991, Keith and his family moved to New Canaan, a town that he loved, where he spent the rest of his life. Keith continued his work as international tax counsel for firms including Citibank, Xerox, ITT, and Xylem, continually rising in seniority, and traveling widely to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He was actively engaged in his professional community, serving as president of the Stamford Tax Association and vice president of the International Fiscal Association’s Connecticut Region.
A self-described “joiner,” Keith was an active participant and leader of many community organizations and in town government. During his years in New Canaan, he served as president of the New Canaan Exchange Club, the New Canaan Dance Club, and the Poinsettia Club. He wrote and performed for the Grid Iron Club. For more than twenty years, he served as chairman of the Parking Commission. For twenty-five years, Keith and his friend Tim Michno organized the annual Rich-Mich Softball Game, a cherished event for many in New Canaan’s community.
After retiring in 2018, Keith quickly became involved in the New Canaan Men’s club and led the organization as president through the Covid pandemic in 2020-21, creating virtual club meetings and events. After the pandemic, Keith organized groups and events for playing tennis, biking, going to Yankee games, his Wednesday “Lunch Bunch,” cinema club, book club, and more.
In 2021, Keith stepped down from the Parking Commission and began serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission. He was actively engaged in the project of revitalizing Kiwanis Park at the time of his unexpected death.
Always ready to crack a joke or lend a hand, Keith had a vivacious demeanor, considerable wit, and a palpable love of life. He had an almost frenetic level of energy which he deployed in the service of his community and in the love of his family, his wife, two children, and his cantankerous dogs.
He is survived by his wife Marina, son Alexander, daughter Veronica, his brother Rick, and his nephews Kevin and Brian.
Burial to be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Canaan Land Trust.
The Richey family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street New Canaan CT 06840. For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com
It was an honor to serve with Keith on the Parking Commission 10+ years ago. He knew how to work with people and, especially, how to lighten their occasionally uncheerful moods. He always sought to be fair and reasonable. Under his leadership, it was a congenial commission, completely devoid of partisanship. He is a great example of how one can give back to the community.
Keith was such a smart guy. A gentleman, and a real contributor to each of the many local groups he was part of. In my opinion, Keith’s most distinguished role was that of the enthusiastic chief of our Indian Guides tribe back in the 90s.
Keith Richey was a dedicated community volunteer whose “can do” attitude inspired others to follow his example. His big smile, enthusiastic energy, and devotion to public service were evident in all he did. Our hearts go out to Marina, Alexander and Victoria, as we mourn the passing of a friend to so many who lefts us far too soon.
I met Keith at the NC Mens club in January 2023. He and his buddy Rico were very welcoming to me and made me feel comfortable the day I met them and in future visits to the meetings. I sat next to Keith at many meetings after that first time.
I went to the memorial service today at Waveny. His son Alex gave a great speech about his dad.
Although I only knew Keith for less than two years and a half, I will miss seeing him at the meetings and club meetings.
May Keith rest in Peace.