Obituary of Richard Patrick Stack

Richard "Richie" Stack, an adored husband and father, accomplished airline pilot, and a man of many hobbies, passed away on April 6, 2023. Born on April 27, 1942, in Albany, New York, USA, Richard was known for his adventurous, loving, and outgoing personality. Richie said, “At six years old, I saw my best friend peddling a beautiful metal airplane with propeller and steering wheel. He let me drive it and I was hooked on flying ever since!”

Richie often spoke about how he appreciated his parents' struggle to afford him the ability to attend the Christian Brother’s Academy, an all-boys military school from which he graduated in 1959.

His passion for flying led Richie to pursue a career as a Marine aviator by starting in the MARCAD program, American Legion North Albany Post #1610 member, and then flying helicopters in Vietnam with HMM365 “Koler’s Klowns,” where he earned 13 Combat Air Medals. After Vietnam, he became a Flight Instructor at Whiting Field and attained the rank of Major in the Marine Corps. After serving 17 years, he became an airline pilot, working first for Braniff International Airways, then Piedmont Airlines and US Air. He retired in 2002 but never stopped flying. He volunteered with Civil Air Patrol as a Glider Tow Pilot and flew Cadets on Orientation Flights for the past 15 years. He was also an active member of the Center-O Flying Club in Olympia and, this past September, he purchased a Classic 1946 Ercoupe and enjoyed flying around the Puget Sound. Richie's love for the skies was far from his only love.

When he wasn't flying, Richie could often be found sailing or scuba diving, exploring the depths of the oceans. For the last 20 years, he spent winter months sailing with family and friends on his Catamaran “Surich” in the Bahamas and Florida.

His curiosity and love for the outdoors also led him to enjoy motorcycling and tinkering with his prized Volkswagen Rabbit. Whether on land, air or sea, Richie loved having adventures with his family.

Richie is survived by his wife, Susan Stack, and their children, Patrick Stack and Paula Stack; his children, Rob Stack, Lori Harris and Carrie Glavin; and former wife, Mary Lou Connet. He also was survived by his children, Stacy Rudolph, Shaney Greenberg, and Spencer Stack; former wife, Joyce Stack; and 14 grandchildren. He would brag about how lucky he was that all of his children successfully found their place in the world. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Stack; nephew, Jarrett Walker; and niece, Meghan Walker. His outgoing nature and kind heart will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In memory of Richard "Richie" Stack, his family asks that his friends and loved ones celebrate his life by cherishing the memories of their time with him and carrying on his spirit of adventure and love for life. May he forever soar through the skies, watching over those he left behind.

For those interested in attending any of the planned celebrations of life in Washington, California, Texas, and Florida, please email Sue at doublestack@comcast.net for further information.

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