Born to Edward and Gertrude Ruckel, Dick grew up on Roundhill Drive in Yonkers, NY as the eldest of six children. He attended St. Eugene’s Catholic School and was an altar server at weekly masses. He then attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. Next, he went to Rochester where he earned a B.A. in Education from St. John Fisher University with the intent on joining the seminary and continuing to build upon his Catholic education. Meeting his soulmate and lifetime partner during college changed his plans for the future and he never looked back. In 1967 he married Patricia Wachowski, also of Yonkers, NY, and gave her the nickname, “Wowie”.
Immediately after college, Dick spent two years as a high school teacher of English Literature. He quickly realized that his passion was to travel and explore the world with his new bride. He left academia to join American Airlines, initially working at LaGuardia airport until he earned a “desk job” at the headquarters in Manhattan. In 1979, American moved its headquarters to DFW and the then family of 4 moved to Plano, Texas. Over his nearly 40 years with American Airlines, Dick took every opportunity to travel, visiting all 50 States and over 30 countries.
Dick was a very present father to his two daughters, and retired nearly 20 years ago to take an even more active role as grandfather, “Papa”, to his three grandchildren. He rarely missed a performance, competition, sporting event, or celebration for his grandkids. He was their biggest fan and his passion for supporting can only be compared to his love for the NY Yankees. For all who ever met Dick, even briefly, he undoubtedly remembered you. His generous heart, impeccable memory, and unwavering loyalty were only part of what made him such a fantastic friend, mentor, coworker, parent, Papa, uncle, and Godfather.
Dick is survived by, his dog Piper, daughter Kimberly Callait and husband Brad Keith, daughter Julie Schattle, granddaughters Callie Schattle and Cassie Schattle, grandson Jake Schattle, and their father Tony Schattle, brothers Doug, Tom, and Phil, sisters Arline and Nancy, their spouses, and numerous extended family members and friends.
A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush, Dallas, TX 75252. A funeral mass will occur Friday, July 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Texas Scottish Rite for Children www.ScottishRiteForChildren.org
Funeral Mass Livestream:
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2