Richard A. Zollar, Jr.

Rich was born in Orange, Calif. on December 7, 1965. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding his Harley every chance he had. When he wasn’t riding his bike or spending quality time with his family, he loved cheering on his lifelong favorite NFL team, the Pittsburg Steelers. He was so passionate about the Steelers that his wife and eldest son became huge fans, too, and enjoyed traveling to see their favorite team whenever they could.

In 1986, Rich enlisted in the US Air Force, carrying on a legacy his father, Richard Sr., started by serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, spanning over 35 years in the Army and the Air Force. Rich was stationed at Beale AFB, California where he was a crew chief on the SR-71 Blackbird. In 1990, he and his growing family found themselves thousands of miles away from home at RAF Alconbury, England where he worked on the U2 Spy Plane and his first son, Richard III, was born. He couldn’t have been a prouder Daddy!

In 1993, it was back home to the U.S. and Castle AFB in Merced, CA where he began working on various aircraft including the KC-135. In 1994, he and his wife welcomed their second bundle of joy, Angelica June “Angie” to their growing family. A princess was born!

From California it was on to Altus AFB, Oklahoma in 1995, and eventually Offutt AFB, NE in 1996 where he spent the last 10 years of his career on the flight line and working reconnaissance in the MOC, earning the rank of Technical Sgt. He was medically retired after completing 20 years of service to his country in 2006. It was also during this time that his third precious child and second son, Brogan McGowan, was born in 2000… his Y2K baby!

Rich loved his family, and his children were indeed the apples of his eye. He was a wonderful father and great friend to all who had the privilege to know and love him. He walks in peace now amongst family and friends who have gone before… there is no more pain… only the greatest kind of love. We all look forward to being reunited with him again someday in Paradise!

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. Zollar, Sr. and Doree (Seiders) Zollar. He is survived by his former wife and best friend of 33 years, Suzanne (Wyant) Zollar; sons, Richard A. Zollar, III and Brogan M. Zollar; daughter (his princess), Angelica J. Zollar.

Memorial Service and inurnment will take place in April of 2019 at the Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors. The exact date and time will be provided in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project where an “In-honor” donation can be made.