Richard Bruce Shirley, 79

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Richard Bruce Shirley of Chestertown, formerly of Riverton, N.J., died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at the home of his daughter. He was 79.

Mr. Shirley was born on March 16, 1928, in Camden, N.J., son of the late Amos and Christine Crate Shirley.

He was a 1946 graduate of Merchantville High School, where he excelled in all sports.

Mr. Shirley attended Lafayette College before taking over the family business following his father"s death. He owned and operated Shirley Office Supply until 2006.

He married Dorothy Marie Cave in 1950, they resided in Merchantville, N.J., until moving to Riverton, N.J., in 1970. Mr. Shirley moved to Chestertown two years ago where he has cared for his wife and enjoyed the company of his family.

He enjoyed gardening, his dogs, golfing, traveling with his beloved wife, and entertaining at their old house on the Delaware River. He was well known for his kindness and caring nature.

Mr. Shirley was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverton, Merchantville Country Club, Riverton Country Club and Riverton Yacht Club.

He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Scott Shirley in 1975; and a sister Mary Krouse.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Marie Cave; a daughter, Melinda Lippincott and her husband, Thomas of Chestertown; three granddaughters, Christina, Shelly and Charlotte Lippincott; and relatives and friends alike who referred to him as "Uncle Dick."

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Park in Cinnaminson, N.J.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497; or Alzheimer"s Research Eastern Shore Chapter, 209C Milford St., Salisbury, MD 21804.

Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown.