Robert Laurence Richards, Jr.

Robert Laurence Richards, Jr., age 91, passed away on January 1, 2021 at his home at Stonegates, Wilmington.

He was a graduate of the University of Delaware and achieved his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Robert received the U of D Merit Award in 1987 and the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000. He was also a member of the Advisory Committee for Chemical Engineering at M.I.T. Robert was a former DuPont Vice President of Polymer Products Department joined DuPont in 1954. He retired in 1987 after a distinguished career.

Robert was dedicated to his 32 year involvement with the Christiana Health Care System as a Trustee and Board Chairman. He served as director on multiple local boards.

As an active member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred, he served as Vestryman, Jr. Warden and as a Senior Warden for several years. He and his wife were honored to be involved in the creation of the Christ Church Memorial Garden.

He cherished his second home and love of the sea in the Virgin Islands, where his greatest pleasures were sailing and spending time with family and friends.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Joy Vance Richards Mount. Robert is survived by his wife Joyce Hilty Richards, daughters Alice Ward (Michael) and Julie Drewes (Thomas), son-in-law Frank Mount, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Julia Ann Richards Zieglar, Mary Alice Richards Wright and Jane “Sandy” Elizabeth Richards Atkinson. Included in the family circle are his loving caregivers: Pam, Birtie, Jo’Wanna, Betty, Carolyn and Eleanor.

The family celebrates the life of Robert Laurence Richards and will miss his love, wisdom and council.