Richard Edward Garvey, veteran, Hercules retiree

Richard Edward Garvey, 86, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024. He was born July 10, 1937, in Wilmington, son of the late John Elmer and Erma Pauline (Melvin) Garvey.

He attended Conrad High School and furthered his education at Sanford Prep School, graduating in 1955. He enjoyed a lengthy career working for Hercules Research Center, retiring after many dedicated years.  He also served as a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard. After Rich retired, he and his wife Dorothy moved to their beach home in Lewes full time.

Rich had numerous, constructive hobbies, including fishing off the rocks at Indian River, from the surf at Cape Henlopen, and on his boat in Red Mill Pond. Never one to stay idle, he loved walking each day, finding and collecting unwanted treasures, and restoring and repurposing items. He was a kind-hearted spirit, humble and gentle, who loved his family. His granddaughter, Bryanna, was the apple of his eye. His green thumb was evidenced by his meticulously manicured lawn, and he was the ultimate proud landscaper. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Rich will be dearly missed and forever loved by all the lives he touched.

Rich was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Garvey, who passed away in 2020; and his son, Gregory Wayne Garvey, who passed away in 1986. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Garvey (Denise); daughter, Kelle Garvey (John Quinn); granddaughter, Bryanna Garvey; his sister, Thelma McCandles; his companion, Joan Thorp; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.

Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, May 13, at All Saints’ Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington.

Visit Richard Garvey's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.