Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 22, 2026

Richard Maschal, 81, passed away on February 22, 2026. A journalist, master storyteller, and author, Richard’s life was a masterclass in how to leave a room better (and certainly funnier) than you found it.

A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, Richard famously referred to himself as just a “Boy from Bayonne,” describing his hometown as the “Rhinestone in the navel of the East Coast.” While he traveled the world and settled into Charlotte, he never quite lost his Jersey grit, accent, or the ability to spin a tale that left his audience in laughter.

Richard’s academic path took him from St. Peter’s University (where the Jesuits performed the minor miracle of awakening his intellect) to graduate school at Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, and eventually to a prestigious fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Long before he was an art critic, he was a man of the people—or at least a man of weddings and bar mitzvahs. He spent his high school and college years playing drums in a local band specializing in weddings and once, in a peak career moment, opened for The Three Stooges as they promoted their next movie in a late-stage attempt to revive their former glory. This prepared him perfectly for his 1969 arrival at the Charlotte Observer. Expecting to write sweeping features on the human condition, he was promptly assigned to the nighttime police beat.

He eventually escaped the sirens and scanners by convincing his editors that he belonged at a Herbie Mann jazz concert instead. He filed a review so incisive it effectively announced the arrival of Charlotte's new cultural compass. Whether he was traveling to Egypt to advance the Ramesses the Great exhibit or to Paris to follow artist Ben Long for Richard’s book Wet-Wall Tattoos, he wrote with a precision that turned readers into enthusiasts.

In retirement, Richard remained a fixture of the Charlotte scene, often found at Skyland Family Restaurant. He lived for Friday's pot roast—a dish he claimed was the only thing in the South that could look his mother’s Bayonne kitchen in the eye without blinking.

Richard’s true masterpiece, however, was his 2004 marriage to Missy Stewart. He spent their twenty-two years together making her laugh and singing to her every single day (frequently on key). He was a man of eclectic passions: first and foremost his and Missy’s combined families, Tar Heel basketball, vintage sports cars, cycling, and professional-grade photography. While he loved the blue-blood pedigree of the UNC Heels, his soul was truly set on fire during the 2022 NCAA run of his alma mater, St. Peter’s University. Watching the Peacocks take down giants was, for Richard, the ultimate validation of the "Boy from Bayonne" spirit.

A devoted servant to his community and church, Richard worked with Room In The Inn and the Soup Kitchen during his years at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where he also served on the vestry for many years, several as Senior Warden. He applied his storytelling skills to the higher power—though he likely still had notes for the choir.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Anna Linardi Maschal; his daughter, Laura Maschal; his twin brother, Robert; his brother, Thomas; and his former wife, Polly Paddock.

He is survived by his wife and favorite audience, Missy Stewart; his son, Ben Maschal (Marianne Carter-Maschal); stepson Chris Lee (Julie Bleha); stepson Zach Lee (Jennifer); and daughters-in-law Lacey Williams and Jess Moxie. He leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: Teddy, Olin, and Alma Maschal; Esmond Williams; Thaddeus and Callum Lee; Armando, Valeria, Sandra and Leslie Cruz- Martinez and Maria (Imran Al-Nafiee) Cruz-Martinez. He is also survived by his great-grandsons, Laith and Yunus Al-Nafiee; his brother, Ralph Maschal (Sandra); nieces and nephews Marc, Meryl, Craig and Lynn who will forever be repeating his stories.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on March 12, 2026 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 W 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. A reception—where stories are expected to be told, drums are optional, and the pot roast better be good—will follow in the Parish Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St Peter’s Room in the Inn fund. Or simply take a friend to lunch at a local diner, order the special, and tell a good, slightly exaggerated story in Richard’s honor. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.