Edward Richitelli

Ed Richitelli died peacefully Sunday morning in the arms of his Lord at the age of 88. Born Eugene Joseph Rischitelli on October 28, 1920 in Worcester Mass., Ed was orphaned at the age of twelve and raised by his older brother John and his wife Josephine. He was Gingee to his brothers and sisters, Ed and Eddie to friends, Dad to his children and Pop- Pop to his grandchildren. He attended Holy Cross but left before graduation to enlist as a US Navy pilot during World War II where he flew fighters off the carrier USS Enterprise and where Navy records forever changed Eugene Rischitelli to Ed Richitelli. After the war, Ed earned a baseball scholarship to Georgetown University where he graduated with a business degree, and later graduated from the George Washington University School of Law. He had a distinguished business career which included founding some of the area's most successful businesses. One of his first ventures, RMR of Elkton Md. employed 1200 people at its peak. He also was a founder of P&R Railcar and Maryland Railcar. He finished his business career as chief executive with Dana Railcare in Wilmington. Ed is best known as one of Delaware's finest golfers. A two time Delaware Amateur champion and four time Delaware Seniors champion he was friend to Arnie, Ben Crenshaw and Lannie Watkins, among other PGA stars. He had seven holes in one in his career. He played in the Western Amateur (eventually losing to Tom Weiskopf), the U.S. Senior Amateur, and was a finalist in the Philadelphia Amateur. He was a member of Wilmington Country Club where he was two time club champion and a beloved figure to so many members and employees. He was ten time champion at Newark Country Club and a proud owner and member of Brantwood Golf course. Ed was an ardent supporter of the Mary Campbell Center where he served for many years as president of the board and tireless champion of its mission to help children and young adults with disabilities. He was most loved by people who are often forgotten. His virtue was that he treated the powerless with the same respect as the powerful. His sincere interest in them conferred dignity on so many lives often overlooked. Ed is survived by his loving children Edward, Mary Shea and husband Tom, Bette Purzycki and husband Mike, Gigi Fragomele and husband Joe, nine adoring grandchildren and his sister Helen. He was predeceased by his priceless Maggie, his wife of 49 years. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Ed's name to the Mary Campbell Center, 4641 Weldin Rd., Wilm, DE 19803.