Richard, "Dick," McVoy was born June 2, 1926 in a Utica hospital, son of Kenneth and Rachel Coon McVoy. He has been a resident of the Town of Russia his entire life. He resides with his wife, Evelyn on Cold Brook Street in the village of Poland. He has three sons, Gary, Bill, and Dick and three grandchildren.

After joining the Air Force in 1943 he spent almost two years during World War II in Japan. After his discharge from the Air Force he was employed as a cataloguer at Rome Air Base for 15 years. When keeping his job meant transferring out of New York State, Dick decided to take advantage of a G.I. loan by attending Barber School in Syracuse. But after graduation he found that barbering jobs were scarce and there were already established barbers in Poland. He then worked at Borden’s Coffee Plant in Newport for three years until he obtained a barbering position at Marcy State Hospital. He retired from there 20 years later at age 58. But, he continues to barber part-time in a shop at his home.

Dick is a friendly, gregarious fellow with an engaging grin. The sign on his shop, "Different Bowls for Different Souls", evidences his droll sense of humor.

He has always been an energetic willing volunteer, whether helping a neighbor put on a roof or being the unofficial caretaker of the Village fountain and the firehouse grounds.

Dick was one of the original workers creating the Kuyahoora Town Park in 1985. He spent many hours picking up stones and when the kids threw them back he picked them up again. He also mowed the park for four years, usually putting in 11 hours a week.

He is an industrious member of the community whether mowing, picking up litter, cleaning up sand, or just generally making the Village neater and more presentable. But he doesn’t want any praise. Dick has enjoyed doing mundane tasks for the betterment of the Town. His only goal has been to make the Town look good.

He is an honorary member of the Poland Fire Department that he joined at age 18. He has also been active in Civic Club, Boy Scouts, and at one time he was a trustee of the Poland Baptist Church. He has also donated prizes of haircuts to many school and community organizations.

Dick has always enjoyed his neighbors; has volunteered with many of them to improve the community.

To Dick the best part of living in the Town is just that – living here because he "likes the Town and being a part of it."

But he is disheartened that the Town "isn’t like it used to be, not as nice." Too many buildings have deteriorated and not been repaired.

His advice to others is to keep the Town looking good, that there is always room for improvement.

Dick McVoy, who has been a productive resident because he enjoys everything he does, is proud to be a resident of the Town of Russia.