Richard F. Putlock

Born in Manhattan, New York, Rich lived a full and vibrant life in New Jersey, residing in Hackensack, Maywood, Ridgewood, Kinnelon and Pequannock. After living in NJ, he relocated to Centerville, Ohio where he lived for 11 years and then relocated to Irmo, SC for the past 16 years

Rich attended High School at St. Lukes in Hohokus, NJ excelling in football, basketball and baseball. His high school success allowed him to attend the University of Dayton on a football and baseball scholarship. After attending UD, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served his country as a military police officer and worked as a K-9 handler.

After serving his country, he returned to NJ where he dedicated his career to public service as a proud member of the New Jersey State Police for 26 years. During his time as a Trooper, Rich worked in many different areas of the state, including the Turnpike, the Parkway, Rt 23, 46, 80, 287 and everywhere in between. This career also gave him a chance to go into the schools throughout the state to talk and work with teachers and students. He found this portion of his career as a Trooper to be exceptionally rewarding. He always found additional time to work security as a Trooper at most county and state fairs, Giants games and the US Open. Rich loved being part of The Outfit and lived it every day by looking out for others in need and stopping to help whether he was on or off duty or in retirement because he, like others, believed in Once a Trooper, always a Trooper. His drive to serve others was also satisfied as he served as a volunteer firefighter at Company 2 in Pequannock while he was a resident.

Rich generously gave any spare time he had to coach baseball and football teams for his sons and later on, softball for his granddaughters. Rich could always be found at a field helping out as a coach, umpire, holding the sticks on the chain gang at home football games, feeding the team on Friday nights with the Football Fathers Association and helping to prepare a field somewhere for the next big game. In addition to sports, Rich was heavily involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from running the annual Pinewood Derby, fundraising, delivering phonebooks, teaching firearms training to chaperoning weekend camping trips.

After retiring from law enforcement, Rich continued to make a positive impact on his community by working as a school bus driver in NJ and OH. In Ohio he drove for Centerville HS where he became a regular driver for the football and baseball teams allowing him to continue being part of the team.

Known for his warm personality and ability to connect with anyone he met, Rich truly "never knew a stranger." An avid golfer and member at Mid-Carolina Country Club he achieved the remarkable feat of three holes-in-one during his lifetime.

He was predeceased by siblings, Kenneth, Andrea and Denise.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, MaryLou; his sons, Michael (Sue) and Douglas (Sarah); and his cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Kelcy, and Isaac. He is also survived by his aunt, Felicia; siblings, Robert (Maryann), Brenda (Bob), and Celeste; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, Linda, Jim, Tracy, Kristin, Scott, Ted, Chad, Paul, Matthew, Karen, Kevin, George and Courtney, extended family members, and friends who will deeply miss him.

Rich’s legacy of service, kindness, and love for life will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane in Columbia, South Carolina. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude or Tunnels to Towers Foundation in memory of Richard Putlock.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.