Richard "Dick" Andrew Shutack

Richard (Dick) Andrew Shutack was born on May 29, 1939, in New Brunswick, NJ. He often spoke with pride that he shared the same birthday as two famous Americans: Bob Hope and John F. Kennedy. Little did he know that 24 years later JFK would deliver the commencement address at Dick’s graduation from the United States Air Force Academy. The only autograph he ever requested was signed by Bob Hope as he was waiting for General William Westmoreland whom Dick and his Delta flight crew had just flown in from Atlanta.

Dick, the son of Mary, and Manville Police Chief Andrew Shutack grew up in a quiet yet devout Catholic family. He and his sister, June, shared a tiny bedroom in their little house. Dick’s High School yearbook reads, “Dick – all around guy – quiet leader – friendly shyness – intent – favorites are math and history – headed for college.” That certainly made mom and dad proud as Dick exemplified the discipline and work ethic of his parents. Dick was also selected as “Most likely to succeed!” He did. He managed to play football, baseball, and serve as president of his high school class all four years and, was elected President of the Student Council his senior year. Upon graduation, Dick earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy, West Point, and a football scholarship to play quarterback for Lehigh University. He searched his heart and decided to play football, while continuing to pursue his real passion; to serve as an Air Force officer and pilot.

Dick’s perseverance paid off, and a few years later he entered the newly commissioned United States Air Force Academy with the class of 1963, the first class to spend all four years in beautiful Colorado Springs. He balanced the academic and military rigor of cadet life by competing and excelling in the boxing ring and intramural football field. His USAFA senior yearbook states, “Dick’s consistently pleasant disposition was only replaced when he donned boxing gloves to engage in the manly art of organized street fighting.” Dick made lifelong friends at the Academy and mentored many cadets and future leaders throughout the decades that followed.

Upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, Dick went on to serve our great nation flying the B-52 in the 465th Bombardment Wing, Warner Robins AFB, GA. He continued his service in the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard where he flew the KC-97 and KC-135 aircraft out of O’Hare International Airport. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after a distinguished 28-year military career.

Dick was hired by Delta Airlines in November 1968 and retired over thirty years later with over 27,000 flight hours. He had the distinct honor of serving the Delta pilots as the Chicago Chief Pilot before the base closed in 1996. Dick made friends easily and was loyal to all. Captain Dick Shutack was presented with a framed picture of the 767 he flew on his final flight before retiring. The consistent theme of the personal notes from his beloved pilots centered on his fairness as the Chicago Chief Pilot, his friendliness to the flight crews and the constant smile that never left his face.

What most people liked about Dick was his self-deprecating humor. He never took himself too seriously and knew he was just a passing flicker of light in an endless universe full of God’s magnificence.

That said, he loved his life, the wonders of flight, the sunrises, sunsets, and God’s incredible landscapes which are best appreciated from the cockpit at 30,000 feet. He loved all sports, but Academy football was his favorite. Yet nothing could compare to his family. He loved his wife, Lynne; they were married for 60 years. Together they cherished their three children, Scott, Kevin, and Nicole. They were further blessed with two beautiful daughters-in-law, Sue and Courteney and a terrific son-in-law, Mark. The last couple of decades fulfilled Dick’s life as God gifted Lynne and him with seven wonderful and loving grandchildren; Katelyn, Chet, Andrew, Cameron, Madelyn, Owen and Ellie. Thanks to an aviation career, Dick and Lynne were able to travel allowing them to truly know each of the grandkids and enjoy their maturation every step of the journey. On his way to bed every evening Dick would say good night to each grandchild as their seven pictures hung strategically in the hallway. It’s just possible that on a quiet night on Orion Drive you may still hear the faint sounds of “You are my Sunshine” as that’s a song Dick always sang to his seven best friends. May God bless and protect you on your final flight west, Captain Shutack and may I add, your light was much brighter than you imagined.

A visitation will be held on September 12th at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, from 4:00-6:30PM, with a Rosary to follow from 6:30PM to 7:00PM.

Dick’s Funeral will be held on September 15th, 2023, at 10am, at the Community Chapel, 5134 Cathedral Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

A Graveside Ceremony, with full Military Honors, will follow the Funeral Service at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, 3024 Parade Loop, USAF Academy, CO 80840.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation: (https://t2t.org)

~Your loving family

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Shutack family.