Richard Howe
Seeney, 78
DOVER, Del. - On 3/7/2022, at 2:01 p.m., Richard Howe Seeney passed peacefully in his sleep at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital. Richard had been hospitalized for the past three weeks with severe kidney problems. Rich had been on dialysis for the past two years. He died from complications of sepsis and kidney problems.
Born to the late Forrest Lester and Lola Mae Seeney (nee Ridgeway), he spent his childhood days (1944 to 1949) in Philadelphia where he was born. The family returned to the Cheswold area in 1949, where he remained until 1958, when his father died. His passing created an upheaval with family living status, thus with his loss, Richard and one of his brothers (Tony) were taken in by his uncle, Richard in Battle Creek, Michigan where he spent the next several years.
Richard continued his schooling in Michigan, where he attended his first three years of high school participating in sports, especially baseball, where he excelled. His skills set gained him access to the Detroit Tigers Stadium, where his team played on several occasions. Richard returned to Delaware where he graduated from Dover High. He later attended Del Tech College in Dover to further his education.
After school (1962), Richard entered the work force gaining employment with the City of Dover. He remained with them until about 1968, whereby he changed jobs with Marvel Construction. It was here that he would experience the tragic event of his life (10/1969). His accident left him in a paraplegic state, whereby he lost all feeling below the waste. The injury to his back was so severe that the doctors gave him only 20 years to live. However, with his warrior's tenacity, he out did that prognosis by 30 years, surviving to age 78. Later, Richard went to work for Amtrac Railroad. He would remain there for 21 plus years before being forced into retirement because of a worsening of his health. During his tenure, he managed to attain the position of Supervisor.
Richard held Veteran status, serving in the Delaware National Guard. His unit was activated to "regular Army" status and sent to Vietnam, where he served for one year, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
All of his life Richard was an avid sportsman. He had a passion for most all sports, to include; Baseball, Basketball, Football, especially Baseball. Richard, also played and managed the highly successful local Semi-Pro team Cheswold Tigers. Among other sports was his love for hunting and fishing. Every spring Rich would wait for the white perch run which usually begins in mid March. Sadly, Rich recently purchased a cross bow with anticipation of another deer hunting trip. Fishing rods were readied for what was to be a planned fishing trip with brother Gerry. Unfortunately, because of Covid previous plans by he and his brother were put off. Later in life he even gained a love for golf, he loved to watch it on T.V.
Rich, got an urge for politics, he decided to run for Cheswold Town Council. He was successful at attaining a position, and served for about three years. He was responsible for many town improvements. Rich was also an accomplished singer. He sang with several local bands comprised of local friends. He also sang at weddings, as well as church events and made several appearances at Dover Downs. He even purchased an expensive Karaoke unit where he was constantly honing his talents. Additionally, he participated in the televised battle of the bands contest sponsored by the American Heart Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Lester & Lola Mae Seeney; his older brother, Walter Forrest Seeney; younger brother, Anthony Maurice Seeney; sister, Arbana Birdella Ridgeway.
He is survived by one brother, Arthur Gerry Seeney of Lewisville Texas; four sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Sullivan, Dover, Del., Janice Mae Morris, Dover, Del., Nancy Jane Bryant, Apache Junctionn Ariz., Karen Eileen Aikens (Nee Seeney) (Sookie), Paulsboro, N.J.; relatives, Robert Lewis Ridgeway & wife Judith, Cheswold, Del., Makenzie Eleanor Mace; and many nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10), Dover, Del. Friends may call an hour prior. Internment will be in Immanuel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 756 Main Street Cheswold, DE 19936.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed @ www.torbertfuneral.com