Richard W. Bennett

Richard W. Bennett, Harrington, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021, at the Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, he was 73.  Richard was born in Milford, DE to the late, Everett and Alberta Bennett.

Richard was born in Delaware, but moved at a young age and grew up in North Carolina.  He served his country proudly in the US Army during the Vietnam War, where he was also a P.O.W. for a short time.  Richard retired this past December as a full time firefighter/EMT with the Greenwood Fire Co, after serving for 21 years.  Prior to Greenwood, he worked for the Milford Fire Co., Prime Care, and also worked briefly for Bennett Security.  Prior to all those, he worked 13 years for Playtex. 

When he was not busy working, Richard enjoyed sports, whether it was cheering on his kids/grandkids playing sports, or watching any of his Philly teams - Phillies, Eagles, or Sixers.  Richard also enjoyed watching NASCAR, and helping with the horse races in Harrington.  He enjoyed the outdoors, and loved cutting grass and tending to his garden.  Scuba diving was a love of his that started as a young boy in North Carolina and continued to present day.  The Delaware State Fair was one of his favorite times of year as he enjoyed attending and serving as the superintendent in the vegetable department.  Riding his motorcycle, spending time with his dog Shadow, and taking care of his truck were also favorite hobbies of his.

Richard will be remembered as being soft spoken, funny, and always joking around.  He was kind hearted, always putting others first above himself, and loved helping people.  This was evident by his commitment as an EMT and firefighter, as he has saved countless lives throughout the years.  He was a loving husband, father, and pop-pop whose presence will forever be felt and sorely missed.  

Richard was a Life Member of the Harrington Fire Co., where he was Past EMS Captain, and served in different capacities since becoming a member in 1987 including EMS Lieutenant, Board of Directors, and Firefighter.  Richard was also past member of the American Legion.

Richard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debbie Bennett; daughters, Stacey Colvin, Shannan (Dan) McIntosh, Summer (Eric Wieder) Swearingen; grandchildren, Payton (Josh Edge) Colvin, Dakota Colvin (Cayla Craig), Dawson Colvin, Skylar Copio, Alex Bennett, Caroline McIntosh; great grandchildren, Everly Rose Edge, Braylee Colvin; siblings, Tom Bennett, Jean Sanderlin, Wendell Bennett.

A celebration of Life Service for Richard will be on Friday, May 14, 2021, at the Greenwood Fire Company at 6PM, with a walk through visitation from 3 to 5:45PM.  Interment will be private.  We are adhering to the CDC and Delaware guidelines of occupancy limits, social distancing, and masks.

In lieu of flowers, donations are strongly encouraged to either the Harrington or Greenwood Fire Companies.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard W. Bennett, please visit our floral store.