Richard Norman (Dick) Potter, age 92, passed away October 6, 2024 after a long illness. Richard was born on May 12, 1932 in Hornell, New York to John Norman Potter and Mary Ellen Potter.
Richard attended the University of Rochester, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Economics. He later completed a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Delaware.
In 1955, Richard accepted a position with the DuPont company in Wilmington, Delaware. He began his career at the Savannah River Nuclear Site, in South Carolina, and retired from the company in 1991 as a Senior Business Analyst.
Richard married Janet Maney in 1961, and they had three children, Thomas, Robert and John.
Richard loved to travel. He engineered many legendary family vacations, including two cross-country camping trips. After he retired, he and Janet traveled the country in their Sportsmobile van, and made many friends along the way at Sportsmobile club gatherings. They also explored the U.S. and international destinations with Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel).
A lifelong learner, Richard was an avid reader and information collector. He loved exercise, particularly running, and completed a half marathon. Later in life, he took up cycling. His love of music, particularly jazz, was accompanied by a lifelong desire to learn to play an instrument, which despite his best efforts (and multiple instruments), was not in the cards.
Richard loved gardening and horticulture, and he and Janet filled their yard with trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. He volunteered his talents with the Delaware Center for Horticulture.
He also volunteered with Literacy Volunteers, where his patience and kindness earned the affection of the people he worked with.
Richard had many interests and talents. He was good with his hands and enjoyed building and fixing things. He and Janet were patrons of the Wilmington Drama League and the REP theatre at the University of Delaware. His energy and curiosity were matched only by his love of dessert and nap on the living room floor.
Above all, Richard loved his family. His quiet affection, kindness, warmth, generosity and sly sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife, Janet, his brother, Doug (Cec), and his children, Thomas (Becky), Robert (Yolanda) and John (Eileen). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Andrew (Courtney), Zachary (Sabrina), Lily, and Shawn (Cassie).
The family would like to thank the staff at Foulk Living for their care and kindness during Richard’s time there.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 3, from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Rockwood Park Carriage House, 4651 Washington Street Extension. Casual attire is welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delaware Center for Horticulture and/or Literacy Delaware. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com.
