Richard Joseph Feeney of Swan Point, a retired U.S. Navy Public Affairs Officer, published author, legislative correspondent, and Washington Post political consultant, died December 6, 2019. Born December 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Joseph and Eileen O'Toole Feeney. He graduated from Georgetown Preparatory School and earned a bachelor of science degree from Catholic University and was a member of Holy Ghost Issue Catholic Church in Newburg, Maryland.

Mr. Feeney served on Navy Commissioned active duty at the Pentagon in Legislative and Public Affairs in the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense. While assigned to the office of the Secretary of Defense, he was awarded the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the Department of Defense.

Mr. Feeney was Director of Congressional Affairs for the National Meat Association; Assistant Director, House Select Committee on Assassinations; Special Assistant to Virginia Representative Thomas N. Downing; and co-owner and account executive of World Wide Wines, an importing and marketing company. His early congressional experience also included direct professional interaction with the U.S. Senate over a nine-year period.

For 19 years, until 2011, Mr. Feeney produced, with commercial sponsors, TASTE AMERICA, an annual reception for members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and their families. Held in the Capitol Building, the evening before Congress' adjournment for its August-Labor Day District Work Period, TASTE AMERICA was the best-attended privately sponsored congressional event in Washington.

Mr. Feeney is survived by his wife, Barbara Cooksey Feeney; daughter, Marybeth Jones; son-in-law, Jamie Jones; grandson, Kyle; brother, Michael Feeney; sister, Erin Feeney; and step-daughter, Meghann Cefaratti.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 9:30AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial 11AM at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 15848 Rock Point Road, Newburg, Maryland 20664. Interment at a later date. Memorial contributions in Richard's name are asked to Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 15848 Rock Point Road, Newburg, Maryland 20664.