Richard Palmer Neal

Richard P. Neal, son of the late Richard and Martha Neal, was born June 7, 1946, in Wilmington, Delaware. He departed this life on June 7, 2021, after a short illness. Richard attended Delaware State College now Delaware State University, in Dover, Delaware. In 1966, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. After his discharge from the USMC, Richard started a career with the DuPont company in Seaford, Delaware. 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, in Lewes, Delaware, for many years. In his younger years, he was a member of Old Fort UAME Church, in Newark, Delaware. Richard loved fishing and would join his cousins for annual fishing trips to Florida and other places. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brothers, Norman and Frankie. Richard 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 great-granddaughter, Payton Jones. He is also survived by a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was especially fond of his aunts, Mary, Helen and Bert, whom are the matriarchs of the Neal and Burton families.

Richard Palmer Neal

June 7, 1946 - June 7, 2021