Richard Joseph Iudice

Naval Commander Richard Joseph Iudice, 78, of South Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away on Oct 16, 2024. Born on March 25, 1946, in San Francisco, California, he was a devout Catholic, and husband to Carol Elizabeth Ash-Iudice and a loving father to Mark Eric Iudice. He is preceded in death by his father Carmello Joseph Iudice, and mother Margaret Nora Tomei. He is survived by his wife Carol and son Mark, his two sister's Barbara Bagileo-Iudice, Judy Garrison and her children Valerie and Michael, his cousins Debbie Brusatori, Lynn and her husband Micheal Moriarty and children Michael and Joseph, brother in law Walter Ash, sister-in-law Joanna Leaman and her husband Craig, their children Jennifer Diehl and husband Jason, and Kevin Leaman and wife Samantha, and a multitude of other relatives and dear friends. He was also known as "Uncle Rich" to many younger family and friends.

Richard was hard-working, dedicated and lived his life with honor and integrity. He left a lasting impact on everyone he knew. After completing college at San Diego State University and ROTC, Rich attended Naval Officers School and earned the gold wings of a Navy pilot. For over 20 years he proudly served his country both on active duty and as a Navy reservist. His piloting skills led to a civilian position as a senior captain flying the founder and CEO of Asplundh Corporation for nearly 14 years. Rich then joined Dassault Aviation Falcon Jet manufacturer as a senior pilot demonstrating their complete line of aircraft to customers worldwide. He quickly moved through the ranks to assistant chief pilot, then to his final position of Director of Flight Operations, retiring after 23 years with Dassault. During his career he received many awards and recognitions including the world speed record for flying a Mystere-Falcon 900EX from Sao Paulo Brazil to Teterboro NJ (USA) in 1998.

Rich was loved by all of his family, friends and colleagues for his kindness, fairness, humor, can-do attitude, and his operating to the highest level of safety in aviation and his life. Richs' hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He was a devote Catholic and attended mass weekly. He was a skilled skier and enjoyed skiing with his family. As a father and man, he reinforced the value to protect those with lesser strength; he always placed himself behind us to ensure the safety of his family in front. He loved driving his Corvette with his son Mark, as well as opportunities to fly and shoot guns with him. He cherished making holidays special for Mark including setting up elaborate Halloween displays and Christmas tree trains. He loved his profession and often said "Dassault Falcon Jet pays me for 10% of my work the rest I would do for free." When he would leave for trips he would proclaim to his young son "you are now the man of the house." His colleagues will recall he carried "Scooter" on Falcon jets around the world sending postcards back to Mark from Scooter. He reminded us often that life will bring struggles. That you cannot wait to proceed until you think you are ready, or you will never get ahead. That a life well done means accepting responsibility and pushing into challenges. He often said to Mark "If a frog had wings it wouldn't bump it's butt when it jumped".

One of his greatest strengths was his unwavering love for his family, his many friends, colleagues, and duty to country. We will miss him dearly and find comfort in knowing that Richard's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

A memorial church service will be held on October 30, 2024, time 6:30 PM, at the St. Augustine's Monastery 300-304 Church Street, Belford, NJ 07718. Light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers or gifts, in honor of his memory please send donations to St. Augustine's Monastery. Their mission and values exemplify all that was close to his heart. You can make checks payable to "Ecumenical Missionary Fathers" at 300-304 Church Street, Belford, NJ 07718.

A private funeral service for family and invited guests will be held on October 31st at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Arrival promptly at 10:45 AM is required with the military ceremony beginning promptly at 11:00 AM as a tribute and final place of honor.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant" Mathew 25:23