Richard "Rich" "RB" Frank Beisheim, Jr.

Richard Frank “Rich” Beisheim, Jr., affectionately known as “RB” by his Beisheim family and friends of Butler, PA, (where he was raised) unexpectedly passed away in his Atlanta, GA home on the 28th of October, 2013. He was 39 years old. Born on the 20th of June, 1974, in Meadville, PA, he was the son of Richard Frank and Maxine Elizabeth (Lantz) Beisheim. Rich lived his life with integrity, compassion, devotion and an unconditional love for flying. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He graduated with honors from Butler High School in 1992 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. In pursuit of his passion for flying, Rich attended Comair Aviation Academy, Sanford, FL and purchased an aircraft to build multi-engine time to further his career.

Respectively, he was employed by Express One International as a B-727 pilot and Shuttle America Airlines as a Saab 340 Captain. In 2004, he was hired as a First Officer by AirTran Airways and was upgraded to B-717 Captain in 2006. Rich was a union member of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA). He served as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of its professional standards committee. The AirTran master executive committee appointed Rich to represent the ALPA pilots on its merger committee in the integration of the respective pilots in the Southwest/AirTran merger. He was always willing to serve the union with unconditional integrity and devotion. Rich lived his life to the fullest. He had many enjoyments in his life which he was passionate about all them; especially flying, his sense for adventure in the great outdoors included boating, hiking, playing tennis and everything Pittsburgh Steelers. He was positive, pragmatic, intelligent, and loved a spirited debate. Although, Rich achieved many milestones and accolades for his accomplishments; one of his most happiest days was when he was united by marriage to his beautiful bride, Stacy on the 17th of April, 2009 at Primrose Cottage, Roswell, GA by Reverend Joe Barta. His greatest love of all was traveling with her and spending time with his cherished family. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Stacy (Polis) Beishiem, Atlanta, GA, honorable and supportive parents, Richard Frank and Maxine Elizabeth (Lantz) Beisheim, Butler, PA, brother Jeffrey (Stephanie), nephew Jacob and niece Sarah Beisheim, Eighty-Four, PA, Father-in-law, Samuel and the late Zona (Winkle) Polis of East Palestine, OH, Sister-in-law, Shari Brewer, Atlanta, GA, Sister-in law, Shelly (Dan) nieces Ella Grace and Charlotte Parks, Nashville, TN. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held Saturday, the 2nd of November at two o’clock at Patterson’s Arlington Chapel with Reverend Joe Barta officiating.

The Beisheim family would like to thank the AirTran and Southwest family for your tireless efforts and compassion during this difficult time. Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family Saturday afternoon from one o’clock until the hour of service at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.