William Webster Rich, DuPont retiree
William Webster Rich, 88, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at The Oaks of Carolina in Raleigh, N.C. He was born May 17, 1924, son of the late Webster C. and Anne (Rutherford) Rich. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (Marrone) Rich in May 2008.
Bill was a graduate of Cornell University, earning his bachelor of arts degree in chemical engineering. He enjoyed a lifelong career with the DuPont Company in Seaford, and Chambers Works in Deepwater, N.J. After retiring in August of 1985, Bill consulted as a private contractor with DuPont for several years.
He loved puttering around in his gardens and doing a little yard work. Bill continued to do masonry work whenever the need presented itself. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hobbies that involved a love of animals, including racing pigeons, singing canaries, blue birds, martins, show and pet dogs. He was a very hardworking man, but enjoyed toying with computers. Bill never met a stranger. He was a very friendly, outgoing man who took every opportunity to reminisce with others about politics and his service in the Marine Corps.
Bill will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather who will be missed by many. He will also be remembered for his dedication, love of country and passion for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Bill is survived by three sons: Charly Rich of Newark, William Rich and wife Jongrak of Boca Raton, Fla. and Jack Rich of Eden, Md.; two daughters: Barbara R. Kambarn and husband Bob of Allen, Md. and Anne R. Miller and husband Steve of Cary, N.C.; daughter-in-law Nancy Rich of Boca Raton; eight grandchildren: Lynn Matava and husband Joe of Hebron, Md., Carrie Kambarn of Salisbury, Md., Daniel, Kelsey, Michael and Ashley Miller of Cary; Fai and Sai Rich of Boca Raton; and three great-grandchildren: Maya and Annabel Matava of Hebron, and Jelani Allen of Salisbury; and sister-in-law Thelma Fitzgerald of Utica, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 27, at Parsell Funeral Homes, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. service. Interment will be 1 p.m. at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
