Dr. Richard Hobson Morgan, age 90, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Claymont, Delaware, Richard graduated from Claymont High School in 1953 before attending Lafayette College, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. He continued his pursuit of higher education, earning his Doctorate of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College in 1961.
Richard completed his internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Attending the AFSC/USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, he proudly served his country as a flight surgeon at USAF Malcolm Grow Hospital at Andrews Airforce Base. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1964. Continuing his education, Dr. Morgan then returned to Vanderbilt where he pursued a fellowship in Nephrology.
In 1967, Dr. Morgan and his wife moved their young family to Lakeland, Florida, where he practiced medicine at the Watson Clinic and Lakeland General Hospital. Three years later, they returned home to Delaware, where he founded a private medical practice. He was one of the founders of the Lombardy Medical Center, serving as President for a number of years. Throughout his distinguished career, he held senior staff appointments at the Medical Center of Delaware and associate staff appointments at St. Francis Hospital. He also served as Medical Director for Continental American Life Insurance Company and Assistant Medical Director for Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company.
Dr. Morgan contributed deeply to the medical community, serving on numerous state and local medical committees, including the Department of Medicine Credentials Committee, the Central Credentials Committee, and as Chairman for Governor Pete du Pont’s Ad Hoc Committee on Prison Medicine. He was privileged to serve for several years on the Board of Trustees for the Christiana Care Medical System. A respected leader in his field, he was an active member of many professional organizations, including the New York Academy of Science, the American Medical Association, the New Castle County and Delaware State Medical Societies, the American Society of Internal Medicine, and the Delaware Heart Association, where he served as president.
In recognition of his professional excellence, Dr. Morgan was honored in the U.S. Registry’s Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans. Beyond medicine, he was an instructor at the Osher Academy of Lifelong Learning and a proud Eagle Scout—values of curiosity, service, and integrity guided him throughout his life.
Music was one of Dr. Morgan’s great joys. He loved to sing and shared his beautiful voice with the Interpreters, the Trinity Church choir, the Christ Church St. Cecilia Choir, and the Breck’s Mill Cronies. He also enjoyed performing with the Brandywiners, appearing in many musical productions including Kismet, No, No, Nanette and Brigadoon. A talented pianist, Dr. Morgan derived pleasure playing daily, always challenging himself to learn new music. He also found joy in golf, his beautiful rose garden, ballroom dancing and many friendships, lots of them lifelong. Simply put, he truly loved people.
Above all, Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took immeasurable pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow, learn, and flourish. His warmth, humor, and unwavering love will live on in their hearts forever.
Dr. Morgan is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara Roser Morgan, of Hockessin; his four children, Tracey (Ladd) Martel, Deryn (Joe) Zakielarz, Bronwen (Brown) Small, and Richard (Leigh) Morgan; and 11 cherished grandchildren: Thomas, Taylor (Swedenborg), and Chris Martel; Joseph, William, and Evan Zakielarz; Kendall and Paige Small; and Hadley, Luke, and Peter Morgan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 East Buck Road, Wilmington, Delaware. A celebration of life will follow in the church’s Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the Christ Church Christiana Hundred Choir Fund by calling (302) 655-3379.
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