Richard Joseph Molnar

Richard was born in October 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph Molnar, a carpenter/cabinet maker and construction foreman and Jane (Assink) Molnar, a bookkeeper and homemaker. He was raised in Parma, Ohio. Following high school, Richard joined the US Marine Corps, serving as a naval aviator and Marine artillery officer prior to medically retiring in 1964. He transitioned to civilian life working as a flight instructor, charter pilot, and in later years flying slurry bombers throughout western states, battling forest fires. He was also involved in construction, copper mining and for many years until his retirement at age 62, he served as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service.

Prior to moving to San Antonio, Texas in 2024 to be near his children and grandchildren, Richard spent over 50 years in Casa Grande, Arizona. Richard had many interests. He rode his bike daily and was still riding at age 84. His riding took him to a number of western states and Mexico, participating in hundreds of rides of various lengths, including century and twin-century rides. He was an avid skydiver, starting at age 65, with his last jump in his early 80’s. Richard also was a snow skier, spending decades on the slopes. One of his favorite getaway spots for entertainment and fine dining was Las Vegas.

Richard had many friends, including those in this motorcycling group, the Geezers, and a group of fellow active and retired pilots, whom he would join weekly for coffee and trading stories.

While in Pensacola, Florida for flight training, he met Shelby Jean Davis, marrying her in 1958. Their marriage produced two sons, Tom and Rick. After separating from the Marines, there were numerous adventures and moves back and forth across the country as work and family considerations necessitated. Though Richard and Jean divorced, they remained in contact, sharing holidays and children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays. Dad was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoying graduations, Christmas celebrations and many other special occasions.

Richard is survived by his sons, Thomas Molnar, (wife Anna) and Richard Molnar, (wife Christine), grandchildren Sara Corning, Beth Molnar (husband Bobby), Ricky Molnar, David Molnar, Jonathan Molnar (wife Gabriela), Andrew Molnar, Matthew Smith, David Ford (wife Katie), seven great-grandchildren, and close friend Anita Smith.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jane Molnar, brother, Ken Molnar, and grandson, Christopher Molnar.

Visitation will be held on March 19, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Porter Loring Funeral Home, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, Texas, 78232, followed by a service at 12:30 PM, also at Porter Loring. A procession will leave immediately after the service for burial with military honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:15 PM.