Born in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania on May 31, 1923, Dick was the youngest of four children. He attended Norwich University for two years, where he met Lucia Corduan, a student from a nearby college whom he instantly knew would become his wife and whom he adored for 63 years of marriage.
After Pearl Harbor, Dick and his entire college class enlisted. He attained the rank of technical sergeant, serving as a flight engineer and gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the 15th Army Air Force, 460th Bomb Group, 760th Squadron in Bari, Italy. On his seventh mission, he was severely wounded by anti-aircraft fire over Poland. Although offered a chance to return home, he rejoined his crew for over twenty more missions. His quiet heroism was recognized with a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart.
After the war, Dick returned to Pennsylvania and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Geneva College. He then joined Townshend and Company, where he spent his career as a sales manager. He rekindled his relationship with Lucia, marrying her in 1950. Together, they raised Robert and Lucia, their two children. He played an active role in his community, serving on the school board and as president of the Beaver Valley Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his wife, children, father, and brothers. Dick’s family, friends, and neighbors were the center of his life, and he was a wellspring of love and strength in their hearts. He will be remembered for his endlessly entertaining storytelling, and genuine interest in the lives of everyone he met.
His survivors include his wife Lucia; his daughter and son-in-law, Lucia and John Quinn; his two grandchildren, Will and Emma; daughter-in-law Donna Justice; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his son Robert and his brothers and sister.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the loving staffs of Decatur House, Plymouth Crossings, Hope Health, and Beacon Hospice. Dick’s remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cards can be sent to Lucia Luce c/o Plymouth Crossings, 157 South Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dick’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Beacon Hospice (32 Resnik Road, Plymouth, MA 02360).
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