Richard G. “Dick” Fernald, Sr.

Richard G. Dick Fernald, Sr., age 86, a lifelong resident of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2017.

Born on April 14, 1930 in Wilmington, DE, he was a son of the late Josiah P. Fernald and Thelma (Georgia) Fernald Yarnall.

Dick worked as a lab technician for the DuPont Edgemoor Plant, retiring after 41 years of dedicated service.

Strong in his faith, he was a member of Elsmere Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon. Always staying active, Dick was a member of Clarence Fraim Senior Center, Oak Grove Senior Center and Mid County Senior Center.

He enjoyed volleyball, bowling and loved visits to the beach, especially Ocean City, MD. From time to time he enjoyed trying his luck while visiting the slots in Atlantic City.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers, Pennel Fernald and Norman Fernald. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Joan (Palmer) Fernald; sons, Richard G. Fernald, Jr. (Beverly), John W. Fernald and Gregory W. Fernald, all of Wilmington; sister, Janet Estock of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Christine Boseman (Ed), Marciana Ferreiro (Ignacio) and Veronica Nicholsen (Dylan), Jason Fernald and Nicholas Fernald and his great grandchildren, Adriana, Nacho, Adam and Nathaniel.

Friends may visit with his family on Thursday morning, February 9, 2017 from 9:30 am “ 10:30 am at Elsmere Presbyterian Church, 606 New Road, Wilmington, DE, where a funeral service will be held beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.

On behalf of Dick’s family, they would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Delaware Hospice and Compassionate Care Hospice for all of their dedication and wonderful care provided to Dick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elsmere Presbyterian Church, 606 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805.