Richard “Dick” O. Fanjoy

Richard O. “Dick” Fanjoy, 80, of West Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus.  He was born September 8, 1943, in Sanford, Maine, to the late Gerald Fanjoy and Dorothy (Davis) Tuttle.

Dick graduated from Riverside Polytechnic, Riverside, CA in 1961 and subsequently earned several degrees over the course of his life: a BS in Meteorology from Penn State University in 1969, an MA in Management from Central Michigan University in 1975, and a PhD in Aviation Technology from Purdue University in 2004.

Dick enlisted a medical lab technician in the United States Air Force in 1964, but then was commissioned in 1969 and became a pilot. He flew primarily the KC-135 Stratotanker, and deployed twice in support of the Vietnam War, the first Gulf War, and many engagements of national interest in between.  During his 35 year military career, Dick also served in a variety of other roles including Congressional liaison, long-range planning and programming officer, SAC Senior Controller, and Commander of Air Combat Camera.  After living at a variety of bases all over the United States, Dick’s final assignment was ROTC Commandant at Purdue University.  He is perhaps best remembered as a leader, and for making sure that his people always had what they needed to succeed.

After retiring from the USAF in 1999, Dick signed on as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University and began a second career which would last 20 years. During that time, he wrote numerous professional articles, became Head of Graduate Studies for the School of Aviation Transportation Technology, and was a mentor to an entire generation of aviation students.

Dick enjoyed the outdoors and from an early age spent his leisure time hunting and fishing.  In 1982, volunteered to help with his sons’ Cub Scout Pack, which was the beginning of several decades of service with the Boy Scouts of America.  During that time, all three of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  Dick often attended summer camp with the boys and helped to train other adult leaders.  He continued to serve long after his kids had grown, and was awarded BSA’s prestigious  Silver Beaver award in 2004.

On October 16, 1967, Dick married Elizabeth Ann Wentworth in San Antonio, TX and she survives. Surviving along with his wife are his children James (Emily) Fanjoy of Nehalem, OR, David (Katherine) Fanjoy of Dayton, OH, John Fanjoy of Charlottesville, VA, grandchildren Keira and Charlotte Fanjoy.

Also surviving are his sisters Donna (Thomas) Birdsong of Columbus, IN, Dawn Barnett of Bremmerton, WA, and Michelle (Douglas) Campbell. He was preceded in death by his brother William Fanjoy and sister Sharon Hites.

Per Dick’s instructions, no service is planned at this time.  Instead, he wished for everyone to take a moment to be grateful for the family and friends they still have, and to reflect upon nature if so inclined.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or Habitat for Humanity in Dick’s memory.