Richard Malone, active volunteer
Richard Malone, 80, died Sunday, July 24, at home in Bethany Beach after a courageous battle with cancer. He moved from New York to Delaware 15 years ago and was active in multiple volunteer organizations, and on the area’s golf courses.
Richard grew up in Elizabeth, N.J., where he attended Sacred Heart High School. He got his degree at Seton Hall University and was in the Army National Guard for six years. He then had an extensive career in insurance, including a long stint at Fireman’s Fund.
After retiring, Richard and wife Shelly departed Long Island for Bethany Beach. They lived at The Salt Pond, and Richard frequently played golf there.
They were parishioners at St. Ann’s. Richard was part of the church’s men’s club and ran its golf outing for a dozen years. He was also involved in Meals on Wheels for 13 years, including delivering meals to those in need amidst COVID, while he battled cancer.
He was a board member at The Salt Pond Homeowners Association, and was an associate member of the Mason Dixon VFW, spending 10 years with the Breakfast Crew.
To diversify his golf experience, Richard was also a member at Cripple Creek.
Richard and Shelly were married for 55 years, and he is survived by their children, Nancy Dempsey (Jim) of Virginia Beach, Va., Michael Malone (Susan) of Hawthorne, N.Y., Kathleen Burke (Brian) of Lewes, and Eileen Baker (Jim) of Lewes. They have 10 grandchildren: Liam, Connor, Mara, Emma, Shannon, Keira, Dylan, Teagan, Gavin and Charlotte. Richard is also survived by his sister, Patricia Gentile of Egg Harbor, N.J.
He passionately rooted for Seton Hall basketball and the New York Mets. He enjoyed spending time with Salt Pond colleagues, and could be found in New York’s Irish Catskills this time of year, vacationing with family and enjoying traditional Irish music. He was grateful for the hard work of the nurses at Beebe Healthcare South Coastal Cancer Center.
Services will be held Friday, July 29, with visitation at 1 p.m. and mass at 1:30 at St. Ann’s Church, 691 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach. Richard's family plans to celebrate his colorful life more than mourn. Arrangements in care of Melson's Funeral Services, melsonfuneralservices.com.
Donations in Richard’s name can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering, Office of Development, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087; and Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
