Richard W. "Dick" Garland

Richard W. "Dick" Garland

AGE: 83 • Wilmington

Richard W. Garland passed away peacefully on December 30, 2015. A kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Dick was a man of deep faith and encouraged others to be their best.

The son of Martha P. and Jack W. Garland (both deceased), Dick was born in Kingsport, TN. He was a graduate of Oak Ridge (TN) High School and the University of Tennessee. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed at the New Castle County Air Base during which time he met and married Tina Mattioni (deceased). They were blessed to enjoy 59 years of marriage.

The parish of St. Catherine of Siena was Dick's spiritual home. He was very active for more than 50 years serving as a member of the finance committee and school board, head of the annual carnival for several years, RCIA teacher, and lay Eucharistic minister to the sick. Professionally, Dick had a rewarding career at the DuPont Company, retiring after 31 years.

Dick was a devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity and held several high offices. He was a Past Master of Unity Lodge, Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Delaware in 1990, and was recognized for his significant leadership in the Scottish Rite by being awarded the 33rd Degree. Dick co-authored "Grand Lodge of Delaware Ancient Free and Accepted Masons" to mark the bicentennial of the Lodge.

Storytelling was a passion Dick shared in the "Tales of Big Zeke" about his grandfather Sheriff Ezekiel Garland, co-authored with his brother Dan. They hoped future generations would have "the same integrity, honesty, courage, faith, and strength of will that guided Big Zeke all of his life." Able to trace his paternal genealogy to William Gutridge Garland born in North Carolina in 1753, Dick was a proud member of the Delaware Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Throughout his life, Dick enjoyed reading, playing golf, watching golf, the Eagles and the Phillies, and following all sports of the University of Tennessee.

Dick is survived by his son, Jeffrey Garland (Barbara), daughter, Susan Panchisin (Joseph), and beloved grandchildren Sarah Garland, Chelsea Panchisin and Scott Panchisin. Dick loved being called "Popsie" by his grandchildren and was amused that many of their school friends and teammates called him that, too. Dick will also be remembered by his brothers Dan W. Garland and Tom J. Garland (Pat), and nieces and nephews. His sister, Betty Richardson is deceased.

A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph's on the Brandywine Cemetery on Thursday, January 7 at 11am. Prayers on his behalf are appreciated. If desired, donations in Dick's memory can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children (215-430-4000), 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (800-805-5856), 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.mccreryandharra.com.