Richard P. Neal, DuPont Co. retiree
Richard P. Neal, the son of the late Richard and Martha Neal, was born June 7, 1946, in Wilmington. He departed this life June 7, 2021, after a short illness.
Richard attended Delaware State College, now Delaware State University, Dover. In 1966 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. After his discharge from the USMC, Richard started a career with the DuPont company in Seaford. He was employed there as a supervisor for over 20 years until his retirement.
When his father became ill, Richard retired early to care for him. Richard surely was a family man who provided for his family, and enjoyed fun times with his children and grandchildren.
On April 12, 1969, Richard married the love of his life, the former Sandra Burton. From that union came two children whom Richard loved with all his heart. He was a wonderfully loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a man of few words but had a strong constitution. He loved music and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. He played for choirs at the church. His children and grandchildren use these words to describe him: feisty, witty, honest, principled, sensitive, strong and loving. What a blessing he was to us all!
Richard was a member of Israel United Methodist Church, Lewes, for many years. In his younger years, he was a member of Old Fort UAME Church, Newark.
Richard loved fishing, and would join his cousins for annual fishing trips to Florida and other places.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Norman and Frankie. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife and caregiver, Sandra; son John (Tina Grandshaw); daughter Nicole Custis (James); grandchildren Brittany Williams, Kristian Neal, Trai Neal, Raven Custis and Logan Neal; and a great-granddaughter Payton Jones. He is also survived by a host of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was especially fond of his Aunt Mary, Aunt Helen and Aunt Bert, who are the matriarchs of the Neal and Burton families.
Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, June 13, at 3 p.m., St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service. To offer words of comfort or sign the guestbook visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.
