Master Chief Rick Shoaf, USN (Ret.)

Ricky A.Shoaf (Rick) retired Force Master Chief Petty Officer, USN, born August 10, 1952 in Columbus Ohio. He passed away at the age of 73 on October 16, 2025 of natural causes. Rick graduated from Grove City High School (class of 1970). After high school, Rick went on to earn two masters from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He enlisted in the US Navy shortly after high school, where he served for 28 years (1970-1998) as a helicopter mechanic and later as a Search and Rescue swimmer. He selflessly dedicating his life, skills, and courage to saving others at sea. His commitment to excellence, leadership, and compassion left a lasting mark on his brothers and sisters who served beside him.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Rick worked as a helo mechanic and regional manager with Med Trans for 13 years. He was known for his steadfast character, quick wit, and generosity of spirit. Friends and family members remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend—always ready with a helping hand and a good story. Rick looked for any excuse to ride his motorcycle, He found a new brotherhood of like minded people when he joined the yearly memorial ride honoring fallen veterans across the country via Run for the Wall. He also volunteered with the Patriot Guard Rider and the Honor Flight Network.

Rick loved to build model planes, boats, and whatever else sparked his imagination. He could spend a whole afternoon quietly building. He also enjoyed sketching and painting landscapes and scenery. He loved to camp and travel across the country to all the different national parks, always sure to make time to visit friends and family along the way. Rick spent many years volunteering in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, helping to guide many on their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts. He loved taking his grandkids to get ice cream any chance he could, He was their biggest fan.

Rick is survived by his wife Denise; his children Ryan (Paige and children Ellie, Abby, Sadie), Sarah (Jay and children Hannah, Samuel, Levi), Nathan (Lindsay and children Lucas, Mackenzie) Stepdaughters Paula (Tyler), Kelly (Ibrahim and children Hal, Zack), Erin; Brother Ron (Kathy and children Nikita, Bradley), and sister Lisa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Shoaf and Ruth Kirk.

A service is to be held on November 15th, 2025 at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653). More specific details to follow.

Fair winds and following seas.”