Richard L. Carter, Sr.
Loving husband, devoted father, adored grandfather, and friend. Richard "Dick" Carter, 78, passed away Monday morning in Wilmington after a long illness.
Dick was the youngest of four children. He was born February 22, 1936 near Detroit, MI. As a child, his family moved to Wilmington where he attended Brown Vocational. Dick enlisted in the US Army, and served in the 82nd Airborne Special Forces Division. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. While in the service, he became a paratrooper which only fueled his daredevil spirit and eventually led to his starting his own business jumping into fairs, shows, and Atlantic City's famed Steel Pier. After leaving the service, Dick joined the former Diamond State Telephone Company as a telephone lineman – and later with AT&T. Dick loved interacting with the customers he served. He retired in 1991.
Dick and his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Neiger, married in 1956. Together, they raised four children. Dick was an active member of the Elsmere Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder and member of the church choir. He also served as Scoutmaster in the church's Boy Scout Troop # 65, in the 1970's. Dick had a keen sense of humor, but undoubtedly, his greatest joy was time spent with his family, especially his many grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, John & Edna Carter; brother, Jack Carter (Rita); sister, Francis Fisher (John); and son, William Scott Carter.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, of 58 years, Dick is survived by his children Richard Carter, Jr (Julie), Karen Bistawros, and Timothy Carter (Carolyn), eleven grandchildren – Elena Makarion (Steven), Rachel, Jonathan, & Benjamin Carter; Cameron, Jeremiah, & Justis Bistawros; Jackson, Ethan, Griffin, & Louisa Carter, and two great granddaughters – Aleithyia Makarion and Eleana Henderson. He is also survived by his brother Robert Carter (Louise), brothers-in-law Alvin Neiger (Barbara) and Bill Neiger (Leslie), and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 11am at Elsmere Presbyterian Church, 606 New Road, Elsmere, DE 19805. Family and friends are invited to visit at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Elsmere Presbyterian Church or a children's charity of your choice.
Krienen-Griffith
Funeral Home
www.delawarefuneral.com
302-9949614