Retired Captain Richard "Rick" Mark Kadlick

Richard Mark Kadlick, age 76, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Rick was born on February 11, 1947 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were Frank and Estelle Kadlick. Rick was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life.

      As a young child, Rick was never someone who needed to be the center of attention. He wasn’t pushy and never forced his way into games or other activities. Rick developed a variety of interests, though, and the things he enjoyed doing he did well. He was always curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Rick took part in baseball and was a Boy Scout. What Rick enjoyed most was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

       He earned his B.S. Degree in Physics from the U.S. Naval Academy. He also pursued graduate school, earning his MS in Science and Physics at the U.S. Naval post Graduate School and an MBA at Marymount University.

      Rick, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy moved up the ranks to Nuclear Submarine Captain. Through his hard work and dedication he was a highly decorated Captain with awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia with one silver star and one gold star and Expeditionary Medal and many others. A literal thinker who possessed a calm exterior, Rick seemed to enjoy the routines set forth by the military. His results-oriented approach to things made him committed to the job, and he understood well his role in serving his country. After retiring from the Navy he relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where he was employed by CSX Railroad again making his way up the ranks from Assistant Chief Engineer to Vice President, Engineering & Mechanical, Standards & Quality. He retired in 2015 from CSX to travel with his wife and friends and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Rick continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in his new community and felt fulfilled.

      Rick liked to experience things first-hand as well as learn about them. This trait carried over into his hobbies, where he was very methodical in how he organized his activities and categorized things. Since he enjoyed his private time, Rick always tried to allocate a specific time for working on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were stamp and coin collecting and ancestry research. Rick was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Rick was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Rick’s favorites was his rescue dog Skipper. They were best friends for 16 happy years. His family was rounded out over the years by his cats Miss Kitty, Buddy, and Alley Cat.

      Retired Captain Richard Mark Kadlick passed away on April 29, 2023 at Harbor Chase Assisted Living Community in Jacksonville, FL. He fought many health battles but the one with Parkinson's Disease for many years was his bravest. He is survived by his wife Starr, his son Scott Kadlick of Parker, CO and his two step-children Lisa Tipping of Jacksonville, FL and Jeff Tanger of Beverly, MA. His daughter-in-law Jenel Kadlick mother of grandchildren Madison and Reagan Kadlick of Parker,CO. Also his son-in-law Charlie Tipping father of grandchildren Charles Tipping of Powell, TN and Blake Tipping of Longwood, FL. He was known as Dad, Rick as well as Pop Pop.

A special thank you to the hard work, dedication and support given by the amazing staff at Always Best Care and Harbor Chase Assisted Living Community. You all helped him fight his many health battles with grace and dignity.

  A funeral service for Richard will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Monday, May 8, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation.