Richard Frank “Rich” Grissom
November 16, 1940 - August 20, 2026
Richard Frank “Rich” Grissom, age 85, of New Castle, DE, devoted husband, father, and Pop-Pop, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE on November 16, 1940, he was a son of the late Agnes (Toner) Grissom. Rich worked as a warehouse manager in the trucking industry until his retirement.
Rich enjoyed exploring the country on road trips and always looked forward to his annual Ocean City, Maryland trip. In his spare time, he loved trying his luck at the casino or watching boxing. Rich was a talented musician who enjoyed listening to and playing Blues music. Rich’s most cherished memories were made with his family whom he loved immensely. He especially enjoyed days spent at the pool with his grandchildren and family dinners.
He was, quite simply, larger than life. His personality filled every room he entered, and his laughter was impossible not to join. He was the funniest person we knew, mischievous, quick-witted, and always ready with a joke or a story that left everyone around him laughing. His presence brought energy and unforgettable moments into the lives of so many. The world feels quieter without him, but the laughter he gave us will stay with us forever.
In addition to his mother, Rich was preceded in death by his stepchildren, Linda Smith, Glenn Culley, and Darlene Rife; and siblings, Gerry Black, Dolores Schaefer, Thomas Grissom and George Grissom. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Addie Marie (Davis) Grissom; daughters, Denise Allen (Patrick), Marie Solum (Jason), and Jeannette Willard (Dave); stepson, Wayne Culley (Dana); grandchildren, Joey Drejka, Summer Solum, Justin Drejka, Sienna Solum, Jenna Drejka, Aubree Willard, and Chad Smith; sister, Beverly Ann Morrison (Ken); and many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
Jenna
We love and miss you so much Pop-Pop!
Love Always,
Justin, Jenna and Aubree
XOXO❤️🍪🍭🍬🍫
Joey
You were such a prolific figure in my life and it will never be the same without you in it. I’ll always remember you most for the countless laughs you brought to me and everyone else in our family, your goofy one liners, as well as all of the wisdom you passed on to me. You were truly one of a kind and I’ll never forget all of the great times we shared together. You were always much more than just my grandad, you were a best friend to me. I love you pop-pop. 💙 We are gonna miss you.
Beverly Morrison
I love my brother very much. We played so much together as kids. We built go carts, played baseball, built igloos every winter. He taught himself how to play several different instruments, and tried hard to teach his little sister but I never had one bit of talent like him. I will miss my old friend and brother forever.🤠🙏♥️ Rest in peace Rich
Phillip Black
What a wonderful uncle,always looked forward to seeing you, will always remember our jazz sessions in the basement, you will be surly missed. God bless Richard. I know the lord has a spot for you!
Summer
We love you Poppop and will always be missing and thinking of you!!🩷🩷
Lil Marie Grissom Solum
🥰🎰🎸🎶🥁Dad…. We are still so numb. Not hearing your voice, jokes, laughter, and talks is hitting us hard but we are doing our best moment by moment. We are loving on Mom so much and making sure she is doing okay day by day. I will always cherish all of our gatherings, daily phone calls, goofy times, and family outings/trips. I love you more than you know and am so glad that I bombarded you with my own goofiness and love yous.
May your mind and body be at peace. 🙏😭💔
Love you always,
Your lil Marie❤️😘
Aubree
I love you, miss you, and thinking of you all day and night !❤️🥰😍🫶🏻
Love you Pop-Pop!
Jeannette
Dad…no more pain!😔 Words cannot express the sadness in our hearts. I miss you so much already ! I will forever cherish all the laughs, trips, family dinners and wonderful memories we’ve shared over the years. So grateful for every moment! Your presence and humor is unmatchable. As we struggle immensely accepting the fact that you are no longer here with us, your one-liners will live on. We are all gathering together to support one another, especially Mom, sharing stories, tears and laughter just like you would want us to. Thank you Dad for everything you have done for me. May you rest in peace 🪽 I love you ! XOXO
❤️ Love Always and Forever,
😭🙏🏻💔 Net
Alien Finklin
My condolences and prayers for the family
Don and Verna Stamper
We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Erline Lancaster
Denise and family.
Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Brian Rees
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences for you and your family.