Richard B. Delp

Richard Delp, 81, of Gilbertsville, passed away at Lehigh Valley Hospital on November 3, 2024. Born on November 29, 1942 in Fleetwood to the late Robert H. Delp and Pauline E. Moyer Delp, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather "Poppy", public servant, and veteran.
Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17 years old, completing an intensive language program in Hungarian at Indiana University. Stationed in Hof, Germany for three years in the early 1960s, he conducted surveillance and electronic intercept for the Air Force Security Service. Richard studied at Kutztown University on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a B.A. in Geography. In 1970, he began a 38-year career in public housing and urban renewal, retiring as the Executive Director of the Berks County Housing Authority. He served as President of the National Association for County Community and Economic Development in 1987, on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies, as Chairman of the Bechtelsville Planning Commission, and on the Boards of the Boyertown Community Chest and Optimist Club. In recognition of his lengthy public service, an apartment community in Reading was dedicated as the Richard B. Delp Townhouses during a special ceremony.
His interests included annual trips to the Jersey Shore with family, stamp collecting, photography, winemaking, gardening, golfing, and playing poker, including a game with a group of life-long friends and veterans that began almost 60 years ago. Richard had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful cook, often telling stories while preparing meals for family and friends, especially his famous potato filling, steak sandwiches, and pork and sauerkraut. An avid reader, he enjoyed mysteries and thrillers, and was extremely well-versed on current events.
Richard is survived by his wife and "Honey" of 56 years, Shannon T. Delp, his children, Johanna Delp (Jeffrey) of Grosse Pointe, MI and Benjamin Delp (Tonya) of Harrisonburg, VA, his grandchildren, Ava Balfour and Harrison Balfour, his brother, Ronald R. Delp of Reading, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Russell D. Delp and his sister, Patricia J. (Delp) Reider. Richard's family will cherish their memories with him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to a charity important to you. A celebration of life will be shared with family and friends at a later date.