Richard L. Musso ’63

Richard L. Musso, Denver, CO, died November 30, 2023.

Born in Paramus, NJ, Dick attended Catholic schools in New Jersey, and after Saint Michael’s (which he attended under the name Richard Moser), he did graduate studies in New York. He served as a police officer and state trooper in New Jersey, with the majority of his 31-year federal career as a Special Agent in New York, with the last 11 years in Colorado.

Dick was honored with numerous awards for his work on high-profile cases, although he never discussed the awards nor the cases. He was a gentleman of high character. His integrity, honesty, loyalty, fortitude and keen sense of humor made him a respectful partner on and off the street. In his retirement, Dick’s love of gardening turned into a small business as he spent hours in the Colorado sun giving loving care to neighbors’ flowers.

An avid fly fisherman, Dick tied his own flies and spent over 35 years fishing on the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, CO. There he also skied and hiked. As a member of the Colorado Mountain Club, he summited Crestone Needle and Longs Peak, rock-climbed, and went snow cave camping. He would later hike more “14ers” with his family, which for him included his beloved dogs. He did the 400-mile bike tour, Ride the Rockies, and at age 78, hiked along the Napali Coast to Hanakapa’ai Beach, Hawaii. Dick loved being outdoors, being grounded in the soil, basking in the awe from a mountain top and landing that trout, just to release it back to nature.

A voracious reader, history buff and chess player, Dick was always up on current events. He could strike up a conversation with anyone or easily join a pickup game of chess. His proudest accomplishment was being a loving father to his daughters as they grew into successful and compassionate young women..

Dick is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pamela (Lyons) Musso, two daughters and extended family.