Richard G. Huffman, lifelong educator

Richard G. Huffman, 82, of Lewes, formerly of Wilmington, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. He was born in Beckley, W.Va., and was the only child of the late Robert Huffman and Mary Edna Kelly. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1951 and the University of Charleston in 1958. Mr. Huffman received a masters degree from West Virginia University in 1961.

He began his professional career as a teacher at St. Albans Junior High where he taught mathematics for four years. He moved to Wilmington in 1963, and taught mathematics at Claymont High School and Mt. Pleasant High School for many years. He was an assistant principal at Mt. Pleasant and Concord high schools in the 1970s. In his retirement Richard served for many years as chairman of the scholarship committee of the Delaware Retired School Personnel Association.

Mr. Huffman reveled in the simple pleasures of life - a good meal with family, a card game with friends, sharing a laugh with his students, playing basketball and tennis, or watching a WVU football game. He was an avid reader, loved history, politics and listening to jazz. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend, and had a way of accepting and loving everyone unconditionally.

He is survived by his wife Alice Huffman of 25 years; son Rich Huffman of Osaka, Japan; and daughter Kelly Huffman and her husband Dan Chen of West Hartford, Conn. He has four grandchildren, Justin, Lindsey, and Andrew Chen and Sophia Hanuman. He is also survived by his stepmother, MaryLou Huffman of Gladesville, W.Va. He leaves four stepsons, Michael, David, Greg and Brian Villanueva; and five stepgrandchildren.

The family wishes to thank those who helped care for him in his final months, especially Stephen, Diana, Richard and Mitch. We will be forever grateful for their love and kindness.

Visitation will be Sunday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 2 p.m. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Mt. Pleasant High School (stating in the memo “scholarship fund”), 5201 Washington St. Ext., Wilmington, DE 19809.

For online condolences visit www.mccreryandharra.com.