Richard Leon Hobbs

Richard L. Hobbs of Clayton, DE was born in Elmira, NY on January 10, 1946. He passed away suddenly on March 24, 2024 at 78 years old. Richard graduated from Haverling Senior High School in Bath, NY in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force thereafter. Rich served as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force acting as a radio/communications specialist through the Vietnam conflict and retiring in 1992 after supporting Operation Desert Storm. During his decades long career in service to his country he received many ribbons, medals, commendations, and lived on Air Force Bases all over the world.
Rich loved watching sports; he was an avid NASCAR fan, a Philadelphia Eagles fan and the Philadelphia Phillies. He enjoyed cooking on the grill and family barbeques. Although Rich never had any children of his own, he was a proud bonus Pop Pop and loved to hear little voices call him "Pop Pop Rich" & Grandpop. He loved being out and about and could often be found at various local restaurants with Marian and family or at the Smyrna Opera House where he and Marian enjoyed many nights of live music.
Rich was predeceased by his Parents, Leon & Mildred Hobbs, his wife Sylvia Hobbs, his brothers Gerald and Robert Hobbs, his sister Lois Gleason.
Survived by his brother Nelson Hobbs (Colleen) of Elon, NC, his long time partner Marian Lord and her sons Robert Shortlidge (Jeannette) of Dover, DE, Christopher Shortlidge (Laurie), of Pittsboro, NC, David Klein, Elkton, MD and Andrew Klein, Philadelphia, PA. Fourteen Grandchildren, sixteen Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
A graveside burial service will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10 AM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Delaware 19966.