Richard R. Roscoe

Richard R. Roscoe, 80, from Fredericksburg passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Dick was born on June 26, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to G. L. & Jesse Rich Roscoe.  He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa.  At 14 years old, Dick earned the rank of Eagle Scout, was the Junior Assistant Scout Master, and a member of the Order of the Arrow. 

In high school, he was captain of his swim team where he placed second in the state in the 200-yard freestyle, and he was a member of the track team.  Many enjoyable times were spent fishing, camping, and hunting with his mom, dad, and brother, David. 

Dick graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in engineering. He was a leading member of its swim team, competing in the NCAA National Collegiate swim finals. 

After college, Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was rated Expert Rifleman/Pistol and set the rifle record with 248/250 Bull’s Eye on the rifle range at Quantico where he received officers’ basic training. He was selected for flight school in Pensacola, Florida where he received his wings as a jet pilot.  During his service he flew the first RF4 jet to go above mock 2+.  While stationed at USMC Futima Air Station in Okinawa, he met Kay Lowman, a middle school English teacher wih the Department of Defense. On June 24, 1967, they were married. 

After his discharge from USMC, he was hired by United Air Lines.  He was an international pilot with United for 34 years before retiring as a captain.   

Dick was a competitive athlete who excelled in and loved handball and running.  Some of his most memorable times were taking Harley-Davidson road trips with his son, Danny, through the southeastern states and to Sturgis, South Dakota, where his maternal grandfather’s family settled. 

Not one to sit still, he was in his element when camping, boating, sailing, snow skiing and vacationing with his wife and children.  Hiking in Crete and the southwest, overnight sailing trips on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, and cross country and international travels with Kay were special memories. 

Survivors include his wife, Kay; children Julie Eckstein (Howard), Sharon Roscoe, and Daniel Roscoe; grandchildren Elisabeth and Julianne Eckstein, Nicholas and Madison Roscoe; brother David (Gloria); sisters-in-law Gail L. Crosby and Linda L. Moon; five nephews; and one niece.

Dick Roscoe was an outgoing and dynamic man with a big heart who was well liked by everyone.  He will be missed. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3 at the funeral home. A private interment will be held in Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Micah Ecumenical Ministries.