Lt. Col. Richard J. Luce

[ironputts]

November 5, 2022

Lt. Col. Richard J. Luce
Northeast Pennsylvania Group 4
Pennsylvania Wing

We are sad to announce that on October 9, 2022, Richard J. Luce Jr. of Warminster, Pennsylvania, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania passed away. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard J. Luce Sr. and Jean Humphries Luce. He is survived by his wife Eva Friedrich Luce; his children, Christopher J. Luce (Michelle) of Chalfont, Martin J. Luce (Sophia) of Doylestown and Theresa Harris (Steve) of Chalfont; his grandchildren, Megan Luce, Katie Luce, Olivia Harris, Matthew Harris and Nick Luce; and his siblings, Jackie Eagle and Greg Luce.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Hawk Mountain Ranger School - Civil Air Patrol
 
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lt Col Richard Luce earlier this week on Sunday, 9 October. Lt Col Luce has been an integral part of the Pennsylvania Wing for over 48 years.  Rich was a true renaissance man who made a tremendous impact on generations of members and left a legacy that we may all aspire to. He began his Civil Air Patrol service as a Cadet in the 1960's and went to Encampment in 1963. Over the years, he served in numerous roles including Squadron Commander and Group Commander (twice). He was a founding member of Quakertown Squadron 904. He was an avid Communicator and served as the Group 4 Communications Officer as well as the Logistics Officer and Deputy Commander. Outside of Civil Air Patrol, Lt Col Luce was a talented Architect and HAM Radio operator.
Lt Col Luce had a passion for sharing his talents and knowledge with all those around him.  He was an active Aerospace Education Officer as well as a major contributor and supporter of Hawk Mountain Ranger School dating back to the early days of the program in the 1960s. At Hawk Mountain Ranger School, he helped with curriculum development and public affairs. Most notably in recent years he helped coordinate and ensure the warm reception and safe transportation of hundreds of out-of-state students from Lehigh Valley International Airport to the Hawk Mountain facility and back each summer including driving many a trip full of cadets himself.  If you flew in for a Winter or Summer Hawk Mountain activity in the last decade you can thank Lt Col Luce for making sure you arrived safely to the Mountain.