Richard Alan “Dick” Hewitt
Share
Memorial services for Richard Alan “Dick” Hewitt, 93, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 4, 2014, at Warren-McElwain Funeral Home. He died Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.
Richard was born December 15, 1920, in Lewiston, New York the son of Alan and Lena (Laur) Hewitt. After growing up on his family dairy farm and attending Niagara University, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in February 1942.
Richard served as a member of the 78th Fighter Group, 82nd Fighter Squadron, 8th Air Force in the European Theater during World War II from 1943-45, flying out of Duxford, England. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters and EAME Theater Ribbon with 6 battle stars for his service. Richard also served in the Air Force Reserve and retired from that service as a Lt. Col. in 1962.
He received his BA in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan and was employed for many years with DuPont Company in both New York State and Kansas before his retirement in 1982.
Richard was an avid golfer and long-time member of the Alvamar Golf and Country Club, and a past winner of the Lawrence Country Golf Championship.
He married Lyn Rudd on August 29, 1947, in Cedarville, Michigan. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include one daughter, Donna Lyn Flory (Jim), Lawrence; one son, Richard Wayne Hewitt (Linda Rauch), Taos, New Mexico; four grandchildren, Louise (Mike Brandt) Flory, Christopher (Rita) Hewitt, Lisa (Zac) Richardson, and Ryan Hewitt; two great-grandchildren, Isabelle Hewitt and Ellis Richardson; and one brother, Alfred L. Hewitt, Niagara Falls, New York. He was preceded in death by brothers Donald Hewitt, Harold Hewitt, Gerald Hewitt and Kennith Hewitt.
The family will greet friends from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 3rd at Warren-McElwain.
The family suggest memorials in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
We are deeply saddened by the news that Dick passed away. He was a Prince Among Men. He was always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed alot. My thoughts are with Lyn, Donna and Rick.
As my brother Dane so eloquently stated in my Dad’s memorial service last week, Uncle Dick was a true american hero. His service to our country in it’s greatest time of need, is well documented in his book “Target of Opportunity”.
Uncle Dick, you will be greatly missed by all the Hewitt family, both locally, and all across this great country. Our families are morning the loss of both brothers, Ken & now Dick, but take comfort that they are now with the lord.
A few years ago, while relaxing on the beaches of Maui, Dick asked me about my military service in Vietnam. I was taken aback, that he was interested in what I’d done, knowing what all he’d been thru in WWII.
Aunt Lyn, Donnalyn, Rick and all your families, you are in our thoughts & prayers, as we grieve the loss of a great man.
love to you all…
Jay A. Hewitt
We have lost a great leader and friend with the passing of Dick.
I served with Dick during WWII at Duxford England 1944-45. He was Squadron Commander of the 82nd Fighter Squadron and became an ace while flying the P47 and P51 against the German Luftwaffe. Dick received many Military Awards and experienced many close calls during his tour.
After the War Dick and Lyn visited their son, Rick in Austin, TX where my wife and I live. We enjoyed getting together for dinner at Rosie’s and a round of golf. We also enjoyed visiting Lyn and Dick at 78th Fighter Group Reunions.
Dick will be sorely missed.
Huie and Doris
Lynn, Donna, Louise, and family. My husband and i were so.saddened when we googled our friend, Dick Hewitt to show a family member an unforgettable man we met while on our honeymoon in Ireland in 2001. We have managed to.keep.in touch all these.years via annual christmas cards. His words will.be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences and fondest memories of your husband, father, and grandfather are being sent from the coal region of PA from the “Honeymooners!”
Just sat down to read target of opportunity by Dick and googled his name only to learn of his passing. I am so sorry. We met at the WW2 weekend back in June 05 in Reading Pa. He was very kind to us and very interesting. The world has lost a good man and a true hero