Richard E. Stoops, Sr.,
Richard E. Stoops, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.
Dick, as he was called by his friends and family, was born on September 3, 1942 to the late William Stoops, Jr. and Lucy E. (Starkey) Stoops.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, William Stoops, III; and his sister-in-law, Ann N. Stoops.
Dick grew up in Greensboro, MD where he graduated from North Caroline High School in Denton, MD and then Goldey Beacon College in Wilmington, DE. In 1962 he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, where soon after, they started their family. He worked for various construction companies as a Corporate Secretary/Office Manager, Safety Director and a Human Resources Manager for more than 40 years.
He enjoyed fishing and boating on the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays with family and friends. He especially had great enjoyment watching his grandchildren rafting and water skiing. He was so proud to support his grandchildren's athletic and academic endeavors. He loved the game of golf where he played many different courses and was a former member of Wild Quail Golf and Country Club. Dick was a very good bowler and bowled in several leagues over the years. He loved to shoot pool anytime he could even putting a table in his basement. His other passions were nice vehicles that were kept very neat and clean. He would often go to car and boat shows looking at the newest models.
Dick was a kid at heart and even on a whim went to Fort Lauderdale, FL with several buddies to watch the Dover Big League team play in the World Series. He loved haunted houses and would often take a carload of his children and their friends to the scariest haunted houses he could find during the Halloween season. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family during the summer vacations at the Delaware beaches, the Outer Banks, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees for the church and the United Methodist Men's Group. He was a past President, Treasurer and as the chief dishwasher for the many fundraisers the church held.
Dick is survived by his bride of 61 years, Victoria Stoops; children, Debbie Stoops-Hogsten (JD), Richard "Rick" Stoops Jr. (Christine); grandchildren, Steven Hogsten (Virginia), Matthew Hogsten (Emily), Dana Roop (Jacob), Brady Stoops, Wesley Stoops; and great granddaughter, Harper Roop; nephew, Bill Stoops (Eva); and niece, Terry Layton (Mike); and many other family members.
Memorial Services will be held on March 9th at 11:00am at the Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover, DE. A visitation will be from 10-11AM. The burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to Wesley Church Building Fund, 209 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at http://www.torbertfuneral.com