Richard Van Nutley was born on August 17, 1935, in Yakima, Washington. Richard married Elsie May (née Schockley) on July 26, 1959. Elsie passed away on August 26, 1995, but they had two children during their time together: James and Peggy.

Nutley was enlisted in the United States Army Reserve.

Nutley obtained a master's of systems management degree from the University of Southern California.