Richard A. Diver

Richard A. Diver, age 88, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, Januray 15, 2018.

Richard was born in 1929 and raised at 1104 Broom Street in Wilmington, the youngest of 8 children of the late Carolyn P. and Frank W. Diver, Sr.

His father Frank founded the Wilmington automotive agency 102 years ago that still bears the family name today. Dick was an owner/manager at the business for his entire 42 year career.

Dick graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1947 where he was president of his class, played football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1951 where he studied business administration and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Dick proudly enlisted in the US Army in 1951 as a First Lieutenant and served during the Korean War primarily in a POW camp in Japan during his years of service.

Dick was a lifelong member of the Wilmington Country Club where he was an avid tennis player and golfer in his retirement years. He was a lifelong fan of the Phillies and the Eagles. Dick took great pride in his home in Greenville where he lived for over 34 years.

Dick was always a gentleman. He had many friends and colleagues throughout his life that appreciated his care and concern for their well being. He was a giver of both himself and his time throughout his life. One common phrase he often asked even until his last days was, “Is there anything I can do for you?”. He was a very generous man with the biggest of hearts.

During his retirement he volunteered for several years driving for the Red Cross. He was a regular donor to many charities, in particular the Delaware Humane Society. His affinity to this charity comes from his lifelong love of animals, especially dogs. Dick was never without the companionship of a dog, even in his last few years he had the company of Hunter, an amazing lab.

Dick always treated everyone he encountered with great respect and brought joy to many with his positive attitude and sense of humor. His family is particularly grateful for the exceptional care and comfort provided from the staff at Wesley Way in The Country House.

He was predeceased by his parents Carolyn Prickett and Frank W. Diver, Sr., his sisters; Dorothy D. Thoms, Carolyn D. Tallman, Edith D. Lennox and Frances D. Burt, his brothers; Frank W. Diver, Jr. and Arthur G. Diver. He is survived by his brother Clifford P. Diver, daughter, Valerie M. Diver, sons; Richard A. Diver, Jr., David E. Diver and Douglas C. Diver and his wife Kristin, granddaughters; Sarah J. Diver and Hadley R. Diver, step-granddaughters; Abby, Emily and Sarah King.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.