Richard A. Hunt

On December 22, 2025, Richard Alan Hunt, beloved father, husband, grandfather and friend passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Richard (“Rick”) was the son of the late Clarence “Ted” Hunt and Elsie Behnken. At the age of six, his family moved to North Salem, NY and eventually settled in Ridgefield, CT. Rick graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1964, where he played football and ran track.

Rick attended Grove City College, where he proudly went on to set a college record in the pole vault. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. After graduating, Rick was selected to attend U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, which he successfully completed and was then Commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer. Rick went on to become a Marine Corps Aviator and flew the A-6 Intruder and F-4 Phantom off the U.S.S. Saratoga and U.S.S. Midway on missions during the Vietnam War. Rick also served as the Landing Signal Officer on those ships, a highly selective and vital role for the operation of an aircraft carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1977 after proudly serving his Country as a U.S. Marine for thirteen years, rising to the rank of Captain.

In 1974, Rick began his commercial aviation career. He was excited to fly corporate jets for Pepsi Cola and travelled to many countries around the world for his job. He was later hired by Braniff International in 1976, beginning his airline career. Due to airline takeovers and buyouts, he worked for several airlines including Continental Airlines and finally United Airlines. After many years as a Captain, Rick retired in 2006, with thirty years of outstanding flying experience.

Rick and Katherine (“Kitty”) met in Dallas, TX in 1974. Kitty was a junior in college and Rick was obtaining his Flight Engineer Type rating on Boeing aircraft, further enhancing his flight credentials. They dated long distance for two years, and married in Amarillo, TX in June of 1976. Rick and Kitty would spend over fifty loving years together. They initially lived in Ridgefield, CT and then Seymour, CT. In 1981 they moved to Newbury, NH, where they resided at their beautiful Between the Mountains Farm. While living in NH, their sons Stephen and Scott were born.

Between airline schedules and the desire to be home as much as possible with his family, Rick and Kitty returned to CT, where they built their home in Washington, CT. A few years after his family was settled in CT, their daughter Lauren was born. During his time raising his family Rick continued to work as an airline pilot while also finding time to always be involved in the children’s activities, including coaching youth soccer, little league and hockey teams. Rick was also very involved in the community, contributing to everything from volunteering as Steep Rock Trail Manager to coaching the Shepaug High School track team for many years. His commitment to the Washington community was highlighted in 2006, when he was presented with the Friend of Shepaug award. After retiring in 2006, Rick eventually settled into life as a beloved grandfather of ten grandchildren. From pool days in the Summers to innumerable baseball, soccer and basketball games, and of course holidays and fun at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, he shared invaluable time and memories with each of his grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife Katherine, his son Stephen and his wife Felicia, his son Scott, and his daughter Lauren and her husband Steven. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Damiana, Emma, Joshua, Matthew, Clara, Taylor, Jordan, Charlie, Sterling and Buckley; his nephew Chris Swanson, with his wife Debbie and their daughters, and his niece Lisa Swanson. His adoring family dog, Max, will be missing him too.

Rick’s loving and caring spirit touched countless people throughout his life and truly helped make the world a better place. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Future services are to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, any memorial or donations can be made to the Washington Citizens Scholarship Fund.