Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Mulloy Obituary
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
In the late thirties and early forties Dick distinguished himself by playing in each of the most prestigious New Year's Day Bowl games-The Sugar Bowl in 1940, The Rose Bowl in 1939 and The Orange Bowl in 1938, all for the University of Tennessee.
In addition, to his football at Tennessee, he play football and baseball at Saint Xavier and was named All-State during his senior year. Once at Tennessee he earned three letters in football and three in baseball. His 1940 football team was undefeated, untied and unscored upon.
While at Tennessee, he learned to fly, and in 1941 entered the civilian pilot training program, and later became a pilot instructor in the U.S. Army Primary Flying School. Later during the War he went to work for Chiang Kai-Shek under contract to the Chinese National Airlines, flying "the Hump" across the Himalayas.
Following the war, Dick returned to Louisville and formed Kentucky Flying Service, located at Bowman Field. He built the organization over the years, operating out of the large hanger where they overhauled, maintained, and sold aircraft. In addition, Dick is generally credited with training more pilots than anyone else in that part of the country.
In 1987, he sold the Kentucky Flying Service, and 1992 sold Helicopters Inc., completing 47 years of operations at Bowman Field.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Josephine Mulloy; two daughters, Marguerite Mulloy and Nancy McClellen (Rick); one son, Richard C. Mulloy III and two grandsons, Richard C. Mulloy IV and Hunter A. Mulloy.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. E. Byron Morgan, Beth Safley, the Hosparus team and all of Dick's caregivers who attended to his needs daily.
Dick chose cremation. There will be no visitation. A memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held noon, Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 508 Breckenridge Lane with a private burial. Ratterman's, 3711 Lexington Road was entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in the form of contributions be made to Hosparus or The Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mulloy
Kenneth Nigel Hood
May 2, 2025
Dick gave me check rides. He was outstanding and a legend in what he gave to Louisville Aviation. He touched many people in the flying community.
I was blessed in knowing him
Kenneth Nigel Hood,Louisville Ky.
Jim Johnston
July 7, 2023
Dick Mulloy is one of very few worth remembering in my 91 years. I say Hi to him often.
Bill Caudill
July 5, 2021
I happened across this obituary today. Dick Mulloy was a great man and a very big influence on my life. My father (Henry Caudill) was a WWII navy pilot and then became a civilian flight instructor for the Air Force after the war. We moved to Louisville in 1960. One day one of my fathers students contacted him to let him know he was flying into Louisville and would like to see him. He was the pilot of an American Airlines 707. We went to the airport and met with him. My father went to Kentucky Flying service that day and met Mr. Mulloy. He started flying again and became a flight instructor for Kentucky Flying Service. Mr. Mulloy let me work there as a line boy. It was my first job and I got to learn how to fly. How wonderful.
My father passed in 1968. I had to call Mr. Mulloy and tell him. He gave me direction and inspiration to get me through this. I was 15 years old. He took me under his wing and pointed me in the directions I needed to head. What a great man.
P.S. He also had a flyover at my father´s funeral site.
He was a great man.
J.R. Ecakrt
June 17, 2021
I ran across this obituary today and I'm truly saddened to read of Dick's passing. What a great man and leader in aviation. Mr Mulloy gave me my Private Pilot Check Ride years ago and I spent many hours at his Ky Flying Service. One of my aviation highlights was when Dick took me for a flight in his Aerobat. He asked, "ever done a snaproll?" and before I could answere, I had. Great to have know him.
Jim Buechler
May 30, 2010
May 30, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences. I met Dick while taking flying lessons at KFS in the early 70's. He was such a kind and giving person. I still think of him, as he became an inspiration and role model for my life. He will be missed by many.
Helm Dobbins
May 21, 2010
Our father was a B-17 pilot instructer during WWII. He knew Dick after the war. In 1958, (I was seven years old)he took me to KFS for my first airplane ride. At that point, I believe Dick was the authorized Piper dealer (before Louisville Flying Service picked it up)and we went up in a Piper Tri-Pacer. Four years later, I would spend many summer days at Bowman Field and Dick offered me my first twin engine ride in a wonderful red and white Piper Apache. While I would later get my Private rating after I had moved from Louisville, there is no question that Dick had a major influence on my lifelong love of aviation. My brother John (see his entry)worked for Dick at KFS sweeping the hangar in the mid 1950's and Dick later signed him off on his Private check ride. John later went on to fly four engine Lockheed C-121's (Constellation) in the Navy. He had stopped by to visit with Dick a number of times in his garage in recent years and had visited with Mrs. Mulloy about a six weeks ago. He and I both worhiped Dick and will miss him very much.
May 20, 2010
I first met Dick as a kid in the mid 50s. My next door buddy and I would occasionally sweep his hanger and he would have a flight instructor take us flying as payment. We logged the instruction time. He was my check pilot for my private license in the 60s. He picked out a Cessna 170 I bought in the late 60s. Dick was a friend, always welcoming and always tried to help kids. He is a local legend in the aviation community. We will miss him.
--John Dobbins, Louisville KY
Carol Travis
May 18, 2010
Dick Mulloy will live in my memory as a kind and caring person - he also had wonderful stories to tell.
Carol Travis, MID-WEST AIRLINES, INC in 1970's
Jim Allen
May 17, 2010
Dick was such a warm and kind man. I am blessed to have trained under him, and taken checkrides from him and to have had 40+ years of accident-free flying because of his influence on me. thanks Dick for all you did for us aviators. Jim Allen Louisville, KY
John Sullivan
May 15, 2010
To the family, I feel that I too have lost a Father, a man who took so much of his time and confidence in me as his student and often as his own son.
Dick took me and my brother to flying heights we never knew existed. I surely will visit his graveside everytime I am in Louisville. Brother Mike passed on in 2003 and he & I both knew Dick was one of a kind in this world, that he made safe for us to grow up in, while he flew the Hump in WW II. Louisville will forever be in gratitude for Mr. Richard C Mulloy, a godfather of most pilots of Louisville.
Tom Schmitt
May 14, 2010
In summer 1949 just after solo, Carb. heat stuck open as lifted off 24. Climbed very poorly. Slid around borders of Bowman & down in front KFS hanger. Dick came running out and IMMEDIATELY had me off in another Champ. He moved me too quick to be scared. Afterward he smiled & handed me a Coke. Said something about doing a good job but I knew it was Dick flying the Champ thru me. Dick's instruction was truly second to NONE. To this day I still use what he taught me.
May 14, 2010
Dick was like a father to all of his flying students. Whenever the weather/wind was questionable Dick would say "watch the wind today". I met Dick through my neighbor and friend Joe Monohan, who flew the Hump with Dick.I will always remember "sweating" my check ride. After an eternity of time hearing what I could have done better he told me "you have a good attitude" and then he signed my ticket. Thanks for all the things he taught me and shared with me about his collection of Motorcycles, Jukeboxes and cars. What a gift he was to the flying community at Bowman Field. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed. Sonny Prentice
Annette Jackson (Gorence)
May 14, 2010
I worked at KFS during the late 70's to mid 80's and learned so much from this kind man during those 10 years. Working at the front counter gave me such good skills and knowledge as only could have been taught by Dick. My condolences to his family, for such an influencial life has gone on to watch over us all as our guardian angel.
Roger M. Derby
May 14, 2010
A unique and talented individual with a great stock of yarns. I was privileged to have known him.
May 14, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dick was always remembered a good stick and rudder pilot and was always willing to give anyone a chance.
As with many others, I learned to fly at Dick's in the late sixties, and flew as an instructor and Aztec charter pilot at Kentucky Flying Service from about 70-75 before moving on.
Antone Sacker, pilot Continental Airlines
Warren Lacefield
May 13, 2010
Dick Mulloy taught me to fly. Entrusted me to repay later .. said "fly now, earn your commercial certificate, go into army, and pay later" .. which I certainly did and have always been grateful. He was one of the outstanding mentors and role models for me and other youngsters in Louisville in the mid-60s. My sorrow and condolence to his family.
--Warren E. Lacefield, Ph.D. eventually thanks to Dick.
Donny Griffin
May 13, 2010
My grandson's are the great grandchildren of Capt Charles Sharpe, Chief Pilot of CNAC during the Hump days. Representing them, as they are too young to appreciate or respond, I send your family our note of sadness for the passing of Capt Mulloy and promise to keep their story alive. Fair winds and blue skies for him and all of his family!
Donny Griffin/Lt Col USAF (ret)/[email protected]/Lake City, FL
Dave Aton
May 13, 2010
All of the wonderful sentiments about Dick expressed here by others are true, many times over. It was my good fortune to learn to fly at KFS in the early '70s and to work there as a CFI a few years later. Both Dick (who attended St. X two years ahead of my dad, and lived on the next street over from us in Broadfields) and Billy Davis (who lived across from my grandparents) nurtured and encouraged the interest I had in flying from my earliest years. Dick and Billy were both were wonderful men in every way. My sincere condolences to the members of Dick's family.
In recent years, when I came back to Louisville to visit my parents, I always made it a point to drive or jog past Dick's house on the chance I might catch him free for a visit. Often I was lucky to do so. Dick would pull two chairs out in the driveway, and we'd sit and talk. My dad had told me that in his early years, Dick often got in trouble with his high school teachers. One day he did something that made one of the priests so angry that the priest said, "Mulloy, if I thought you were in a state of grace I'd kill you!" I told Dick that story; he had a good laugh, and filled in a few more of the details.
One summer evening during my time at KFS, Dick said, "Dave, I'm going to take the Citabria out and do a few flip-flops. You want to come along?" (Of course!) Once Dick got to the practice area and did a few clearing turns, he started the show, and I rode through 30 minutes of graceful non-stop aerobatics. I was about to tap Dick on the shoulder and say I might be getting near my limit when he said, "I guess we'll head back now." Flying toward the sunset with Dick for a smooth summer landing: both a wonderful memory, and a perfect metaphor for the years I counted him as a mentor and a friend. He is one of those rare people who truly deserved to live forever.
Martha R. Shaw
May 13, 2010
Dick Mulloy and KFS meant so much to my
father, Bob, and brothers, David and
Richard, for over 25 years.
To each member of Dick Mulloy family, the entire Rodahaffer family keeps you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick Mulloy in China about 1945.
Tom Moore
May 12, 2010
Tom Moore
May 12, 2010
My condolences to the Mulloy family. I am the web editor for the China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) web site: www.cnac.org Dick was a pilot for CNAC from mid 1944 to late 1945. Here is the link to Dick's page: www.cnac.org/mulloy01.htm I know that he will be missed by many.
Susan Radtke
May 12, 2010
Many at today's service expressed the sense of "home" and the sense of "community" that was legendary of Kentucky Flying Service. In part we were all brought together by aviation and becoming "airport bums", but to a far greater extent by the man, Dick Mulloy. He was an integral part of many of our lives. Like so many posts here, I too, started out at Kentucky Flying Service, working behind the counter and then in the evening cleaning the charter plans to earn extra money toward flying lessons. It was a time in my life I will never forget. In good times and not so good times, Dick always carried himself with great grace and great dignity. He will truly be missed.
John Uhl
May 12, 2010
Dick Mulloy is a Louisville aviation legend. Without him far fewer of us would today be pilots. Dick and the expample that he set, will remain a part of all of us who knew him.
Greg Friend
May 12, 2010
When I was 13 years old in the 70's, Dick let me work at KFS. I would come in whenever I could and wash and wax planes and his old cars in exchange for flying lessons.
When I got there, I would peek around the office door where he and Ray worked, to let him know I was there. He would get up, put his hand on my shoulder and say "walk with me". Off we would go to some dirty job that I was more than happy to do, just to be there in the place I loved so much.
As I got older, he put me on the payroll and I worked the line with the other guys. It was always clear that he had the respect and admiration of everyone in the place. You knew that he was a guy that had done everything, and no matter how dirty the job, he was willing to jump in and help.
He once told me he was going to "build my character" We went down to the T-hangers and opened one of the doors. A cat had crawled under one of his cars and died. It smelled awful, and he was intending for me to drag it out.
When he realized how nasty it was, he just got down and did it himself, before I had a chance to do anything. That, did more for my character than anyone could ever know.
He gave me my check ride and fell to sleep, just like everyone said he would. I always assumed he was faking it, just to help take some of the pressure off of you.
I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, he was the biggest inspiration in my life and he will be deeply missed.
Louis "Lou" Wiseheart, aircraft mechanic, Comair Airlines
May 12, 2010
I also worked at KFS in the '80s, first as a lineboy and later earning my A&P liscense. Working for Dick changed my life. I will always be grateful to him for giving me a chance. I know many others could say the same.
Dick was blessed with many gifts. He was kind, generous, and thoughtful. He really cared about people. Everyone who I worked with knew they were cared for. Dick had the ability to run a successful business and still maintain a family aptmosphere.
Everyone felt like they were a part of something special...we were! I miss it to this day.
To the Mulloys I offer my condolences. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will truly be missed, and I agree with something someone posted before...the world could use more people like Dick Mulloy!
Karl Bennett
May 11, 2010
It is with great sorrow to hear of Dick's passing. I worked for Dick as a line boy during the early 70's. His example as an honest and caring man had a great influence on my life. I continued to fly and am now a Captain for Delta Airlines. It was not just flying, but the other lessons ,that Dick taught by the example of how he lived his life that meant the most.
Dick you are one of the few men I know who had "The Right Stuff"
May 11, 2010
I started flying in 1970 at Kentucky Flying Service. I worked for Dick as a CFI and charter pilot from 1973 through 1985. Dick took me under his wing and was not only a great and inspirational employer, but treated me like his own son. I had the honor of presenting him and Jack Kuhns with an award for outstanding achievements in aviation about 2 years ago. He will be greatly missed,
Steve Koch
Ben D. Kennedy
May 11, 2010
Dick Mulloy was a first class gentleman and an aviation legend. Bowman field has not been the same since he sold Kentucky Flying Service. May you soar above the clouds and find eternal peace in His Kingdom.
Steve Poppe
May 11, 2010
I too worked for Ray and Dick in the mid 60s when I started flying. I loved working with them as I used to sign out the planes behind the counter. Even though I was a young kid, they always treated me with respect and one of the family. I owe a lot to them in those early days. My career progressed from there to Army Aviation, Continental Airlines, and now Copa Airlines. I always trace my roots back to Kentucky Flying. I also went to school with Margurite. I couldn't believe when KY Flying was sold.
My sympathy to the Mulloys at this time of sorrow. Know your loved one was loved my many.
May 11, 2010
One of the great experiences of my life was working for Dick Mulloy at KY Flying Service. He taught me things about flying and avaition and life that have benefited me and those around me. Dick, it is sure good to have known you.
Jim Shipp Mt Sterling KY
Tony Koenig
May 11, 2010
Dick, Your legend lives on at Bowman Field. I will miss most your ethical leadership as a businessman and a check airman.
Ray L Rivera
May 11, 2010
Condolences and prayers to Mr. Mulloy and his family.
Gerald Milburn
May 11, 2010
I first met Dick Mulloy in 1956 shortly after I soloed at Arnold's Airport in Springfield. I was 16 years old and Dick was a legend in Kentucky aviation circles. He was a gentleman's gentleman. I think a part of everyone who knew Dick has now gone. He had many friends and will be missed.
Captain Gerald Milburn, USAir Retired
May 11, 2010
My prayers are with you all. I will always be gratefull to Dick for befriending my son, and making a job for him at KY Flying Service. He was a great influence in his life. He looked up to Dick in so many ways. I have heard him say many times that Dick was one of the people that he most admired in his life. We need more Dick Mulloy"s in this world. Wishing you GODS blessings and comfort. Jean Waddell (louisville,KY)
Michelle Summers
May 11, 2010
I am saddened to hear of the passing DIck Mulloy. I worked for him in the early eighties for ten and a half years. This was the best job in my life. Dick was such a great boss and person. I often think of him and will never forget him. To his family DIck inspired lots of people, pilots and employees. He made going to work fun and enjoyable. Kentucky Flying Service was my first job in high school and I will never forget Dick or Ray Nabor. I met some of the nicest and kindest people who I still keep in contact with. Kentucky Flying Service was like a family to me and that was how Dick treated all of us. Heaven has two angels now DIck and Ray. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Nolen
May 10, 2010
Dick Mulloy loved the Lord,his country, his family and flying. Not sure in which order but we all loved him. He not only taught us how to fly, but how to live.
Our thoughts and our prayers are for the entire Mulloy family.
Sylvia Kinsfather (Arnold)
May 10, 2010
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Dick was a good and decent man to work for. I have many fond memories of working and getting my pilot's license at KY Flying Svc with my "aviation family". He will be missed.
Mike & Leslie Rowland
May 10, 2010
We are saddened beyond words to learn of Dick's passing. We remember him with such fondness that it feels as if he was a member of our own family. We had such admiration and respect for him, as a teacher, a business owner, and a friend.
We both learned to fly at KFS, and took most of our checkrides with Dick, and eventually became flight instructors for him. Who could ever forget the "Dickisms"...like "c'mon, now" or "that's a goooood deal." He knew all of his pilots and their capabilities, and he knew every plane on the field. We all knew that although he was thrifty, the safety of his pilots was his primary concern.
He loved his 152 Aerobat, and each of us was thrilled when he took us out in it performing various maneuvers, like snap rolls, all the while cautioning us never to do it ourselves!!
Our hearts go out to the Mulloy family.
Stephen Sturgil
May 10, 2010
Dick will always be in my memory. He gave me my first flight instruction job in 1972 which lead to an entire career in avition from charter pilot to corporate pilot to airline pilot. He always had wisdom and a kind word to draw upon. Dick you will be missed. Stephen Sturgil, Cincinnati, OH
Frank O'Neil
May 10, 2010
To the Mulloy family; The world has just been left with a little hole in it that no one will quite fill up. Dick was the consumate gentleman. I will miss him. You have my most heartfelt sympathy.
Wm. M. Hayes
May 10, 2010
When I saw the obituary for Richard C. (Dick) Mulloy in the Courier-Journal it made me stop and reflect on the life of a man who was an aviation legend in the Louisville area.
In the early 50’s my father learned to fly and eventually bought a small aircraft from Dick at Ky Flying Service. I was an 8 year old boy in 1955, when I first met Dick. At the time I was fascinated with aviation and planes and I would always accompany my Dad to the airport to hang around with the other pilots and guys who worked at the airport. Dick always ensured that if there was an empty seat on an instructional flight that I could ride along.
As I became older I started doing “chores” for Dick around the airport and he would keep a log and give me credit toward flight instruction and aircraft rentals. Dick suggested that I wait until I was 15 ½ before I started taking flying lessons. I had already gained a lot of flight time with my Dad and had a basic understanding of instrument flight, so I took Dick’s advice. I can still remember the day I turned 16 in 1963 – Dick told me to be sure I came to work at the airport on my birthday. I showed-up after school and Dick took me for a flight around the pattern and then had me drop him off. He sent me out on my first solo flight on my birthday. When I came back Dick had arranged for a reporter from the Courier-Journal to take a picture of me in the Cessna 150 with a story about me making my solo flight on my 16th birthday.
In 1998, after I retired from a 26 year career as a Coast Guard pilot, I was going through some old files in my parents’ house and found that clipping from the Courier about my solo. It sure brought back lots of great memories of Dick and Ky Flying Service.
I know that there are hundreds, or maybe thousands of other individuals like myself that started out at Ky Flying Service working for Dick and went on to have successful careers in aviation.
Dick Mulloy was the perfect example of a true Christian gentleman. When I was a student at St. X in 1962, there were brothers at St. X who still remembered and talked about Dick Mulloy. He was a great individual who will be remembered fondly by many aviators and all of his friends and family. May he rest in Peace and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Pam Henehan
May 10, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked for Dick back in the early 80s at Kentucky Flying Service and have a great deal of respect for him as well as fond memories from my time there. My prayers are with all of you.
Denise Fawcett (Gorence)
May 10, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked for Dick at Kentucky Flying Service for 13 years. He was an inspiration as well as being a true friend. He and Ray Nabor were two of the most incredible men to work with. Dick will be missed.
May 10, 2010
What a fine gentleman. Always there to answer a question, or help you on any thing. Will surly miss Dick. Peace my friend and family. Stephen Hoehler
May 10, 2010
Dick was a significant part of my life during my flying years in th 60s through the 90s. He gave me my flight check in 1964 and remained a helpful and knowledgeable source of in formation about flying techniques to me. He was never above helping me roll out an airplane or pack it correctly with whatever cargo I had. His smile and congeniality will always be remembered by me.
Milton Comer, M.D.
Daniel O'Neil
May 10, 2010
From the entire O'Neil Family I would like to extend our sincere and deepest sympathies in your time of grief and profound loss. Dick and our family go far back, like so many other aviation families in Louisville. But Dick did something very special, he not only developed pilots, he developed Aviators, not only a skill but a gift that is becoming harder and harder to find. You definitely had to have the right stuff, but he knew a good person made a good pilot and not the other way around. So many people and their families have enjoyed lives enriched from and by aviation in great part because of Dick. Thank You for sharing him with us, we are all the better because of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Daniel J. O'Neil, Captain, USAirways, and Family.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Mulloy's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Richard Mulloy
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Mulloy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
