Richard 'Dick' H. Evans Sr., 74

NEW CASTLE - Richard "Dick" Evans Sr., of New Castle, passed away suddenly on Feb. 8, 2009. He was 74. He shared many years of laughter and happiness with his beloved wife, Judith Roberts Evans. Dick was the son of Frank and Dorothy Evans, born in Upper Darby, Pa. He graduated from Upper Darby High School and Penn State University. Upon graduation, he went to work for Diamond State Telephone Co., as a District Manger. He then began his political career campaigning for the Republican Party. This led him to the next chapter of his life, as Chief of staff for U.S. Representative, and then Governor Pierre S. DuPont. He then went on to serve as the V.P. of Corporate Communications for Delmarva Power and Light. Upon retiring in 1996, Dick channeled his passion for community service as the Executive Director of Wilmington 2000, and then as planning consultant for the Wilmington Public Safety department and the Wilmington Library. Over the years his passion for helping others led him to participate in a wide variety of community and service organizations. His competitive spirit, and love of politics, as well as the City of New Castle, led him to run for the seat of Mayor of New Castle in 2007. Dick served on several committees and supported the following organizations: Friends of the Wilmington Library, the United Way, St. Hedwigs Sr. Center, the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, and the Delaware Assoc. of Non-Profit Agencies. Most recently, he was a volunteer for the Police Service & Community Response Team in the city of New Castle, and served as co-chair of the New Castle Public Library building fund. Dick was a devoted father, who, in addition to his wife, is survived by his two sons, Richard Jr. and his wife Maggie, and Scott and his wife Donna, all of Wilmington; and one daughter, Cindy Molloy, of Raleigh, N.C. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Samantha, Liz and Jack Molloy, Ricky and Heather Evans and Blake and Logan Evans. He is also survived by one brother, Jim Evans, of Bear; and one step-sister, Dee Hartman, of Pennsylvania. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Friday at 11 a.m. at the McCrery Memorial Chapel, 3710 Kirkwood Highway (at Duncan Road) Wilmington, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Friends may also call on Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the memorial chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to New Castle Public Library Building Fund, 304 Delaware St., New Castle, DE 19720. Attn: Katie Newell, Director.