DOVER - John "Jack" Edward Richter passed away on Sept. 25, 2018, from complications due to his cancer.
Jack was a proud, second generation Doverite, born on Oct. 2, 1934, to the late Glenn Albert Richter and Margaret Catherine (Ruyter) Richter, who was also born in Dover. Dedicated to the City of Dover, Jack served in a number of official capacities, including City Council (1980-1988), Vice Mayor (1987-1988) and Mayor (1988-1992). He was devoted to preserving Dover's history, volunteering his time as President and longtime member of The Friends of Old Dover, as member and President of The Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion, and as a board member of the Delaware Agricultural Museum. Jack was a spark behind the Constitution Place project, planned in conjunction with Delaware's Bicentennial Celebration in 1987. He was also a major enthusiast of the arts, advocating for the renovation of the Schwartz Center for the Arts and supporting the Biggs Museum, Dover Symphony, Delaware Choral Society, and Rehoboth Art League.
Jack graduated from the University of Delaware in 1956, as a civil engineer. He met his wife of 58 years, Mary Jane (Wiley) Richter, now deceased, at the university. After a short stint in Elmira, New York, where Jack worked for United State Steel, the young couple settled in Dover, where they raised their two daughters, Jackie Richter-Menge of Hanover, New Hampshire, and Andi Pedigo of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Jack worked for the State of Delaware for over 30 years, retiring in the position of Director for the Delaware Transportation Authority. Never one to sit still, Jack went on to join Tetra Tech, took classes to earn an MBA from Wilmington University, and partnered in establishing a branch of Becker Morgan in Dover.
As an avid outdoors man, Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, exploring our magnificent State and National Parks, watching the sunset over the marsh with friends, and a simple walk with Nature. Even an afternoon of yard work was more than satisfying to him. Jack also loved to throw himself into a project. For instance, he applied his many skills in helping to establish and expand the Savannah Animal Hospital in Lewes, which was originated by his daughter, Andi, and son-in-law, Bob. And in March and April, Jack would be found in New Hampshire, making improvements to Maple Leaf Farm, a maple syrup operation run by his daughter, Jackie, and son-in-law, Richard. One of his latest projects was to guide the extensive renovations at the Pedigo farm in Scottsville, Kentucky, creating the newest gathering place for our families.
Jack was dedicated to spending time with the Richter/Pedigo/Menge family, often involving trips with detailed itineraries to explore places near and far. The apples of Jack's eyes were his six grandchildren, Jenn and Katherine Menge and Allie, Brad, Jack and Will Pedigo, who knew him as 'Opa'. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond Richter, of Dover, and Glenn Richter, of Perrysburg, Ohio. Jack maintained a long and deep relationship with his Dutch relatives, most recently making a trip to The Netherlands in May, and a group of 'Dover Boys', who graduated together from Dover High School in 1952.
Jack attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Dover in his early years, and later became an active member and disciple at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, at 11 a.m., where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Many thanks to the large network of family and friends who provided prayers and support to Jack and his family over the last months. It made a difference.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the M. Jane Richter Scholarship Fund (MJRSF), to become the Jane and Jack Richter Scholarship Fund. Checks can made out to the MJRSF and mailed to the Delaware Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1636, Wilmington, Delaware, 19904.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Jack's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com