John Shulick

CAPT John Shulick passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at his home in Culpeper, with his wife and family by his side. He was born July 15, 1933 in Susquehanna Township, Pa., to the late John and Anna Shulick. CAPT Shulick began his military career in the Pennsylvania State University's Reserved Officer Training Corps. He received his Electrical Engineering degree from Penn State and remained an avid Nittany Lions fan. Following graduation he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in June 1955 and continued to faithfully serve and defend the United States until his retirement in June of 1986. In 1962 he received his Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. His military career included serving as a Fighter Pilot of several aircraft including the F-4D. As an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer, he was Commanding Officer of the Naval Plant Representative Office at the Sikorsky Aircraft Plant where he accepted the Navy's first CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. His last duty station was in Washington, D.C. where he was Program Manager for Targets Systems at the Naval Air Systems Command. On March 8, 1960, LT Shulick, a member of the 102nd Fighter Squadron, along with 23 other service men boarded a transport plane bound for Rota, Spain. Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced complications resulting in a crash landing on a snow-covered mountainside. Lost and marooned, LT Shulick and another member of the crew braved the harsh and unforgiving mountain to search for help. Days later, they were able to contact the Naval Station at Rota, leading to the successful rescue of the downed servicemen.He earned numerous military decorations including a Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Legion of Merit, and a Congressional Veteran Commendation. John was dedicated to the Culpeper community, but preferred to remain behind the scenes. Since building his home in Culpeper 18 years ago, he has volunteered his services to various organizations including: the Piedmont United Way, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board, the Republican Party of Culpeper and the American Cancer Society. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Judy (Bolen) Shulick; brothers, Louis Shulick of Miami, FL and Paul Shulick of Venice, FL; his children, Amy Willey of La Jolla, CA, John B. Shulick of Catlett, James Shulick of Roseburg, OR and Elizabeth Sullins of Ellicott City, MD; and grandchildren, Paige and Claire Needham of Ellicott City, MD. He will be terribly missed by his faithful companions, Lulu and Max. The family will receive friends at the Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Hwy., Culpeper Tuesday, December 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Hospice of the Rapidan, P.O. Box 1715, Culpeper, VA 22701 and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 654, Culpeper, VA 22701. Condolences may be sent via e-mail to cloreenglish@gmail.com. The family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.