Richard Griffin Stutz died peacefully in his home on May 13, 2025, at the age of 98.  Richard was a classically trained harpsichordist and pianist, a life-long student of military history, and a skilled woodworker.  He spent long hours at home in his library, and in his beloved woodshop, designing and building custom cabinetry and furniture for his family home in Trumbull, CT.

He was born in Lawrence, Kansas, on February 2, 1927, to Gertrude Edith (Griffin) Stutz and John Godfrey Stutz.  He is survived by two children, Robert Edward Stutz of Lake Forest, IL (Mary Jane Jennings Stutz), and James R. Stutz of Trumbull, CT (Rosemary Gombar Stutz).  He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Mary Elizabeth (Day) Stutz, and two children, Thomas Richard and Mary Elizabeth (Betsey).  Richard was the proud grandfather of Valentine, Anita, Jennifer, Eric and Victoria, the late John and Sarah, and great-grandfather to Wynter Rose.

Richard served in the US Army in Germany for four years starting near the end of WWII in 1945.  After returning home in 1949, he earned a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas.  He and his new wife, Mary Elizabeth (Day), made their way east, where Richard accepted a job with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT.  Richard began his 35-year career at Sikorsky as a helicopter designer and ended up as Chief of Flight Test Operations during the 1970's and 1980's.   Richard and Mary settled in Stratford in 1952, where they started their family.  In 1963 they moved to Trumbull, where they had built a house on Canoe Brook Lake to accommodate their four children and a growing menagerie of unruly household pets.

Richard's family extends their appreciation to his wonderful caregivers, Alla Barabadze, Marina Kevishilli-Cruz, and Aleksandre Gventsadze, who supported him and his wife for many years with love, patience and unfailing good cheer.

A private family service is planned for this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to: The University of Kansas, School of Engineering, Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928.

The University of Kansas, School of Engineering
Box 928, Lawrence KS 66044-0928