Richard M Ware

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our  Richard M. Ware On March 24, 2023.

Dick grew up in Richmond and Arlington, VA, and became an Eagle Scout at 14. He attended prep school at Phillips Academy in Exeter, NH. He received a BA in Political Science from Duke University, as well as a commission in the US Air Force where he flew fighter jets and tankers. After 3 years of active duty, He attended Columbia University, where he earned an MS from the Graduate School of Business. 

Dick returned to Duke, as Asst. Director of Admissions for the men's divisions. He met Shirley in 1960, while he was Commander of the Civil Air Patrol and Shirley was working ‘on assignment’, writing a story on the Durham Composite Squadron for the local paper. (As fate would have it, Dick and Shirley later worked together when she was recruited as Assistant Director of Admissions for Duke’s Women's College.) They were married in 1961 in the Duke Chapel. Dick was recruited by the CIA, where he served 4 years. He then spent 10 years managing comprehensive aviation companies, during which he traveled the world. His years until retirement were spent as Chief of Air Operations and Chief of Aviation Safety and Education for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Maj. Ware retired after 22 years in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

Dick and Shirley had 2 children, Kathi and Rich, and he was involved with all of their activities including sports, camping, ballet and Indian Guides. For all of his adult life, he was deeply involved with Scouting, church and service organizations such as Kiwanis. In Scouting, he served as Commissioner of The Abraham Lincoln Council and on The National Council. He was proud to have been awarded "Scouting Silver Beaver Award". He retired in 1994, and he and Shirley moved back to their Plantation home. They spent time enjoying family and friends on trips and cruises Dick was delighted to also be involved and present in the lives of his grandchildren Alexandra Deanne Curtis and Patrick Corrigan Curtis.

He will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.