RICHARD I. WOLFINGTON Sr.

WOLFINGTON

RICHARD I., SR. (Nov. 24, 1939 to Dec. 25, 2014) (aka Richard-the Elder to his coworkers) crossed into eternity during the wee hours of Christmas morning, 2014. Angels gently whisked his spirit into eternity while he soundly slept. So peaceful was his passing that his slumbering wife, right by his side, remained unaware of his passing until late Christmas morning. Such an ideal "crossing-over" is reward for his admir-able life. The many who will miss him sorely suspect he is already looking into theatre, music and travel in the "after life". His new freedom of spirit should serve well to meet and exceed his once earthly expectations for infinity of globe-trotting. He lived and leaves a profound legacy of love, accomplishment, fairness, elegance, generosity and whimsical humor.
He was predeceased by 4 older brothers: Harry A. Jr., John F., James E. and Robert H. When he was but a toddler of 2 years and his sister, Janet, a newborn infant, their mother, Marie Freney Wolfington, suffered an untimely death. The passing of their mother forged a closeness between them that never abated. Both were graced by their older surviving sibling, Sister Marie-Louise Wolfington, RSCJ, who sweetly helped fill their motherless void. Frequent chats and visits with his sisters deepened their relationships throughout his 75+ years. Words his 2 sisters and several friends use to describe him include: generous, stately, old world-like, warm, fun, welcom-ing, interesting, well-read, low key; comforting and party-ready. Janet adds, "He was creative too. When we were very young he always offered to help me out as soon as he had finished his own ice cream cone by licking off most of my dip of chocolate to lessen its' dripping down the front of my Sunday-best dresses. He convinced me his was an act of brotherly love."
In parenting his 3 children: Richard I. Wolfington Jr. (Richard-the-younger), daughter, Eganne Wolfington McGowan; and his younger son, Adam Gildea Wolfington (Richard's beloved, later-in-life font of great expectations) he never spoke harshly; was always understanding, positive, solid, insightful and never judgmental. He would not abide animosity of any kind and never, ever complained nor blamed. These traits carried over into his leadership of Wolfington Body Company & Eagle Wolfington Leasing, generating a cadre of co-workers with histories spanning over 10 and up to 50 years. With the leadership of Richard-the-younger and Eganne; "The Elder" was pleased to see the growing flank of "millennials" who would serve to fulfill his vision of yet another generation of success. He also took enormous joy in his closeness with his son-in-law, Patrick McGowan, who called his father-in-law "Big Martha" or "The other Martha Stewart". Hard to believe such a gentle guy was once a marine! The devotion and companionship shared by Richard and his wife of 45+ years, Kelly, is tantamount to a story-book wonder. They grew together while remaining strongly individual. When Kelly was in the limelight he relished introducing himself as Mr. Doris Day. He was so endearing and modest. The tidal flow of Richard's support and attendance at virtually every cultural and living arts venue in his beloved Philadelphia was a reward he and his wife shared fully. Sadly he has been deprived of wearing his top hat and white tie to this year's Academy Ball, and will never set off with Kelly from Vladivostok aboard the Trans-Siberian Train. Richard often acknowledged his life was full and wonder-filled. He had hoped for more of the same. He accepted difficulty with grace; his stores of faith and hope were indomitable. This realm has lost a brilliant source of positive energy but his legacy endures. His personal belief was that the present generation has an indisputable obligation to be respectful of the past while stewarding positive change and longevity of legacy for future generations.
He is survived and mourned by his wife of 45 years, 3 children, one grandchild, 2 amazing sisters, 3 cherished brothers-in-law and their spouses, many wonderful nieces, nephews, a battalion of cousins and a bounty of friends. He is already sorrowfully missed by all.