DATE: Thursday, March 6, 1997               TAG: 9703060266

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: PENSACOLA, FLA.                   LENGTH:   52 lines

RICHARD A. PADDOCK

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard A. Paddock died Feb. 19, 1997, at his home after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Shirley, and their four children, Carolyn Knefely (Dr. George M.) of Pensacola, Dr. Bradley H. Paddock (Theresa) of Gloversville, N.Y., Susan P. Stumpf (Robert E.) of Virginia Beach and David G. Paddock (Susan S.) of Virginia Beach.

Admiral and Mrs. Paddock have 10 grandchildren, Mac and Alison Knefely, Brandon and Mindy Paddock and Chad Auwater, Natalie, Carolyn and Kimberly Stumpf and Carolyn and Christopher Paddock. Adm. Paddock also is survived by his brother, Robert C. Paddock (Sandra) of Glen Cove, N.Y., and his sister, Georgia Dudley (Dr. G. Clayton) of Woodbury, Conn.

Adm. Paddock, son of George C. and Rebecca H. Paddock, was born April 8, 1925, in Auburn, N.Y. He and his wife, Shirley, met in high school in Auburn. Commissioned an ensign in December 1944 through the V-12 program at Cornell, Adm. Paddock served in the Pacific during World War II. He returned to Cornell after the war and graduated in 1947. His post-graduate work included studies at the New School for Social Research, the University of Washington and the junior and senior courses at the Naval War College.

He served 37 years in a distinguished Naval career which spanned three hot wars and most of the Cold War. Fleet highlights include action on the gun line off Korea, command of the destroyer USS Myles C. Fox, command of the amphibious transport USS Washburn, commodore, Amphibious Squadron One, commander of the Danang Naval Facility, chief of staff for the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam, commandant of the 14th naval district, and commander of Amphibious Group Eastern Pacific. He led the mine-cleaning operation in Vietnamese waters and the recovery of Skylab astronauts in the Pacific. During five tours of duty in Washington, Adm. Paddock served as a politico-military specialist, including director of strategic plans and policy for the Chief of Naval Operations. His last job was vice director of plans and policy for the joint chiefs of staff. Adm. Paddock's decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal and numerous campaign and service awards.

Adm. Paddock retired in 1981 in Pensacola, where he was active in community affairs, serving on the Escambia County Zoning Board until December 1996, the Pensacola Symphony Board (president), and the American Heart Association Board. He was a member of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and TROA.

A memorial service will be today at 12:30 p.m. in the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Pensacola. Full military honors will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Hospice of Northwest Florida or a charity of choice. ILLUSTRATION: Photo KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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