Obituary for Richard A Dobbs
Richard Ansel “Dick” Dobbs, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2021 at the age of 78.
Dick was born in Upper Montclair, New Jersey on April 3, 1942 to the late Christine J.B. Dobbs and Herbert E. Dobbs. His family moved to Wilmington, Delaware in 1945, where he attended Tower Hill School (1960) and later Hamilton College (1964). He married his high school sweetheart, Yolande deVignier “Lonnie” Brown, on June 19, 1965.
Dick spent his entire 49-year career at Wilmington Trust, a testament to his loyalty and commitment. Dick was an active member of several organizations including the Aurora Gun Club, where he was an accomplished trap shooter and key contributor to the camaraderie of the membership for 38 years. In 1965, Dick became a volunteer for Ducks Unlimited and devoted the past 56 years serving the local chapter, Brandywine Ducks Unlimited, where he was instrumental in fundraising for the preservation of wildlife habitat. Continuing his mother’s legacy of helping others, Dick was an active Board member of the Children’s Beach House from 1973 to 2015. During this time, he oversaw a large capital campaign for a new building which was achieved in less than one year. Additionally, his passion for the outdoors and art combined in his helping to create Plein Air Brandywine Valley, a successful annual fundraising event benefiting the Children’s Beach House. He was also an active member of the Wilmington Club, Vicmead Hunt Club and Bidermann Golf Club where he cherished spending time with family and his many friends. An avid outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed hunting, trap and skeet shooting, decoy carving and fishing. He spent many years duck hunting in the meadows of New Jersey and marshes of Delaware and Maryland with his friends. Dick was always keen to share his knowledge and expertise with others and was particularly interested in passing his love of the outdoors and knowledge of shooting to younger generations or to those without any experience.
Known by many as the Mayor of Henry Clay, Dick never met a stranger and loved bringing people together. Dick also served as the erstwhile spiritual advisor for his younger friends, earning him the title of the Reverend Doctor. Dick was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Lonnie, daughter, Anne H. Genova (David M. Genova) of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Renee deV. Biery (Brandon P. Biery) of Wilmington, DE, and grandchildren, Claire S. Genova, Avery H. Biery, Austin L. Genova and Elliott D. Biery. He is also survived by his brother, Jeffrey H. Dobbs (Sue R. Dobbs) of Roswell, GA and nephews J. Brooks Dobbs, Matthew R. Dobbs and Michael C. Dobbs and their families.
The family hopes that you will think of Dick whenever you see a fire engine red classic convertible car. The burial will be private. A celebration of life will take place when gatherings are once again safe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Dick’s name to: Brandywine Ducks Unlimited, P.O. Box 4569, Wilmington, DE 19807 or to: Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958.
Dick was born in Upper Montclair, New Jersey on April 3, 1942 to the late Christine J.B. Dobbs and Herbert E. Dobbs. His family moved to Wilmington, Delaware in 1945, where he attended Tower Hill School (1960) and later Hamilton College (1964). He married his high school sweetheart, Yolande deVignier “Lonnie” Brown, on June 19, 1965.
Dick spent his entire 49-year career at Wilmington Trust, a testament to his loyalty and commitment. Dick was an active member of several organizations including the Aurora Gun Club, where he was an accomplished trap shooter and key contributor to the camaraderie of the membership for 38 years. In 1965, Dick became a volunteer for Ducks Unlimited and devoted the past 56 years serving the local chapter, Brandywine Ducks Unlimited, where he was instrumental in fundraising for the preservation of wildlife habitat. Continuing his mother’s legacy of helping others, Dick was an active Board member of the Children’s Beach House from 1973 to 2015. During this time, he oversaw a large capital campaign for a new building which was achieved in less than one year. Additionally, his passion for the outdoors and art combined in his helping to create Plein Air Brandywine Valley, a successful annual fundraising event benefiting the Children’s Beach House. He was also an active member of the Wilmington Club, Vicmead Hunt Club and Bidermann Golf Club where he cherished spending time with family and his many friends. An avid outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed hunting, trap and skeet shooting, decoy carving and fishing. He spent many years duck hunting in the meadows of New Jersey and marshes of Delaware and Maryland with his friends. Dick was always keen to share his knowledge and expertise with others and was particularly interested in passing his love of the outdoors and knowledge of shooting to younger generations or to those without any experience.
Known by many as the Mayor of Henry Clay, Dick never met a stranger and loved bringing people together. Dick also served as the erstwhile spiritual advisor for his younger friends, earning him the title of the Reverend Doctor. Dick was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Lonnie, daughter, Anne H. Genova (David M. Genova) of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Renee deV. Biery (Brandon P. Biery) of Wilmington, DE, and grandchildren, Claire S. Genova, Avery H. Biery, Austin L. Genova and Elliott D. Biery. He is also survived by his brother, Jeffrey H. Dobbs (Sue R. Dobbs) of Roswell, GA and nephews J. Brooks Dobbs, Matthew R. Dobbs and Michael C. Dobbs and their families.
The family hopes that you will think of Dick whenever you see a fire engine red classic convertible car. The burial will be private. A celebration of life will take place when gatherings are once again safe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Dick’s name to: Brandywine Ducks Unlimited, P.O. Box 4569, Wilmington, DE 19807 or to: Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958.