Richard Lowe Diver

Richard Lowe Diver, age 63, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. surrounded by the love of his wife, three sons, and life-long friends.

Rich’s roots traced back to Wilmington, Delaware, where he spent his formative years. After attending The Friends School, he took his ice hockey talents to The Deerfield Academy in Western Massachusetts, where he was captain of the hockey team and graduated Cum Laude. Following Deerfield, Rich attended Dartmouth College where he was a member of the Ice Hockey team and gained life-long friends in his Fraternity of Chi Heorot.

Rich’s passion for business, tireless work ethic and dedication to family led him to join Diver Chevrolet, the family business started by his grandfather in 1915. Under his leadership, Diver Chevrolet flourished into one of the largest dealerships in the Northeast United States. He contributed his time and insights to numerous boards including General Motors Warranty Arbitration Board, Local Marketing Board, NADA 20 Group, and DMG Mechanical Reinsurance Board.

Rich’s commitment to his family mirrored his professional dedication, creating a harmonious balance between his roles as a husband, father and business leader. He loved sharing his passions for Philadelphia sports teams, golf, Bruce Springsteen, travel and driving his Camaro to explore beautiful places with his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nancy L. and Arthur G. Diver. He is survived by his wife Samantha; sons George, Chris, and Trevor; along with stepsons William and Jamie Spruance; sisters Deborah D. Kephart (Scott), Ann D. Diehl (Jeffrey), and brother Arthur G. Diver, Jr; nephews Jack Kephart, Matthew Kephart, Ethan Diehl and Michael Diehl.

Rich treated everyone he encountered with respect and brought great joy to many with his sense of humor. His family is particularly grateful for the exceptional care that the team of doctors and nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provided Rich over the past three years.

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Funeral Services

A celebration of Rich’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Pennsylvania Ave. & Rodney Street, Wilmington, DE. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Condolences

Tim Porter writes,

Very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. My condolences to the Diver family.

11/20/2023 02:51 pm

Paula Winchester Mutzel writes,

My sincere condolences to the Diver family for this very sad loss of Rich..he will be missed by many. Paula Winchester Mutzel

11/20/2023 08:45 pm

Carla and Jack Markell writes,

We are so sad to learn of Rich’s passing. He was such a terrific person and such a leader in Wilmington and beyond. He always had something nice to say, a story to pass on and a generous offer to make. Our deepest condolences to the family.

11/21/2023 01:34 am

Cheryl Ecton, Elite Building Services writes,

I enjoyed getting to know you when we both worked with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Executive Team for Light the Night; you were so dedicated to helping this great cause. You were always such a great guy and our sincerest condolences go out to your family. You will be missed! Cheryl Ecton and the Elite Building Service Family

11/21/2023 06:32 am

Curt Clifton lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was always such a great guy. He was never too busy to take time, greet and talk with anyone. He was very kind and down to earth. My sympathies and condolences to the entire Diver Family. Rich certainly will be missed by many.

11/21/2023 08:41 am

Susan Bobjak lit a candle and writes,

I am so saddened to read Rich's obituary. I have so many fond memories of our time spent in hockey rinks while cheering on the boys. I will be forever grateful for the support you gave me after Jeff passed away. Rest easy. I'm sure Jeff will be waiting to talk hockey with you!!

11/21/2023 12:45 pm

Mirto writes,

Our sympathy & prayers are with the Diver family and all who worked w/ Richie. He was a great guy and easy to work with when interested in a vehicle, always directed me to the right vehicle. He will be missed not seeing him in the showroom. Rest In Peace Richie.

11/22/2023 07:42 am

Cindy Johnson writes,

I will never forget how helpful Rich was in helping me find the person that lived in my mother’s old house on Brecks Lane. My mom is 101 and it meant so much to her and my family. Apparently he had lived there for awhile , but was no longer living there. Very kind man. My condolences to his family.

11/22/2023 09:27 am

Rusty Dunlop lit a candle and writes,

My sincere condolences to the Diver family. As a proud Diver Chevrolet retiree, I will never forget how Rich gave me the opportunity and encouragement to successfully complete my career in the car business. Thanks again Rich. You will be missed as a friend and colleague. RIP

11/22/2023 10:37 am

Sean Lipschultz lit a candle and writes,

We are sorry to hear about the loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, if you need anything please reach out! Sincerely, Sean Lipschultz, Cindy Sherman, and the Cox Automotive team!

11/22/2023 10:52 am

Stephanie McDonald lit a candle and writes,

Recalling the first time I met Rich in 2018 and walking away from that first encounter, with such a positive impression. His commitment to the community and making an impact was always at the forefront. My sincerest condolences to Rich's family and the Diver Chevrolet Family. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. (American Cancer Society)

11/22/2023 01:08 pm

Steve Martino writes,

I’ve lost a good friend this week, I had the pleasure of working with Rich at the dealership for 27 years. A true businessman, the Automotive world lost a good man. The Diver family will be in our prayers. Debbie and Steve Martino

11/22/2023 03:09 pm

Bix and Lee Bush writes,

Lee and I were saddened to learn of Rich's passing..We had fun teaching Rich in the Middle School at Wilmington Friends. After moving over to Tower Hill School, I occasionally ran into Rich as he came to school in order pick up Chris....A brief hello would usually turn into a longer chat about sports, usually hockey...Rich will be missed by so many in Delaware and beyond. RIP Rich.. Affectionately, Lee and Bix Bush

11/22/2023 04:18 pm

Madalyn Schultz Petit writes,

Dear Samantha and sons and Chris Diver and family, I am very saddened to read of Rich’s passing. You have lost someone special to you and too soon. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

11/22/2023 04:57 pm

Paget Brittingham writes,

Samantha, I am so sorry to see that Rich lost his battle. He fought hard and valiently. I am thinking of you and your family over this holiday. I am so sorry!

11/22/2023 08:22 pm

Ken Lundstrom writes,

Sincere heartfelt condolences to the Diver family from this old Dartmouth guy about 30 years in Hanover before Rich. Even in the same fraternity, too. Oh, how he will be missed! The recollections including hockey connections are bountiful and joyous. Truly, he had the granite of New Hampshire as part of him. God’s blessing to you all.

11/22/2023 09:03 pm

Deb Acri writes,

So very sorry for your great loss. May Rich’s memory be a blessing for you all.

11/24/2023 10:33 am

Norma Zumsteg writes,

Rich was such a good support for the Board of Directors of Neighborhood House, Inc some years ago when we were struggling with one thing or another. I was impressed with his commitment to be of assistance. Rich, may you rest in peace and may your family be comforted by your memory as time passes.

11/24/2023 12:56 pm

Robert and Julie Gau writes,

Our hearts ache to hear of Rich's passing. He was a wonderful person with a great personality and sense of humor. He leaves an amazing memory in our hearts and will be missed by so many. Our sincere condolences to the entire Diver family.

11/24/2023 02:26 pm

Valerie McKinley Daugherty lit a candle and writes,

An exceptional Businessman, Friend and Classmate, Rich was kind and generous. He will be greatly missed by his WFS Class of 1978. Rich kept in touch by attending the reunions and catching up with all of us. Deepest sympathies and lovely memories to his wife, sons and the entire Diver Family.

11/26/2023 08:00 pm

heddiknox519@gmail.com lit a candle and writes,

So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He always had a kind word, witty comeback or funny story to share any time he visited the branch. My condolences to the Diver family.

11/27/2023 04:03 pm

Kevin & Danielle Sullivan writes,

Met Rich on the sideline at a youth soccer game. He was a regular at civic, school, sports and business events. Yoga, too. He always had a kind word for others. He was dedicated to his business and his work ethic was apparent. Happy Rich led a full life and we send regards to the family.

11/27/2023 10:26 pm

Adam Jones lit a candle and writes,

I had the honor of being one of Rich's Vendor Partners and we had an instant connection. Rich talked me through my own father's cancer diagnosis and I am forever grateful. Rich treated everyone with kindness and respect, and I appreciated his straightforwardness when having our meetings. Sending my condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved Rich.

11/28/2023 04:50 pm

Andrea Sarko writes,

To Samantha and Rich's family, The Sarko family sends our heartfelt condolences to all of you. We hope that you find love and support sitting at the center of your grief. May the memories of Rich hold you close. Andrea, Roland, Georgia, Mateo, and Francesca

11/29/2023 09:02 am

Ted and Linda Ganakis lit a candle and writes,

We send our deepest condolences. We knew Rich for decades! My wife Linda did trips for him and we bought so many vehicles from him. I viewed him as a friend. He was so nice to us and I always enjoyed talking to him. He was such a good man to us and we are so saddened by his passing. May your family find peace in knowing he is in an immortal body and with God and know you will all be together again! Ted and Linda

11/29/2023 04:55 pm

Carol Burt writes,

To Samantha and the family of Rich, Debbie, Ann, and Chip- my prayers will be with you all at the passing of clearly a good man. Fortunate to have had Rich as a cousin.

11/29/2023 07:52 pm

Frank Kovach @ Jamestown Painting lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry to learn of Rich's passing. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and to echo the sentiment of others he was always positive and funny. He will be missed.

12/04/2023 12:39 pm

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