Richard William “Rick” Watkins, Sr.
December 1, 1952 - May 24, 2019
Richard William “Rick” Watkins, Sr., age 66, of Newark, DE passed away at home on Friday, May 24, 2019.
Born in Chester, PA on December 1, 1952, he was a son of the late Russell S. Watkins and Joan M. (Miles) Birney. Rick served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years. He made his career in the maintenance department with Christina School District at Glasgow High School, retiring in 2016 after 27 years of service. Rick loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Robert Birney; and brothers, Russell Watkins and Randall Birney. Rick is survived by his loving wife, Vivian (Shelling) Watkins; children, Danene P. Watkins and Richard Watkins, Jr. (Katie Bonkowski); sisters, Joanne Carter (Pres) and Eileen Bailey (Dave); and beloved granddaughter, Devan P. Watkins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center c/o Christiana Care Foundation, PO Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.
Peggy Dawson
Vivian, Danene, Devan…and family,
Please know you are on my mind and in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of each of you and remembering all the wonderful times I found Rick in his “cave” to bug him to fix something or help me with something in my classroom at GHS. He was a great guy to work with and will be missed by so many. Sending you hugs, Peg
Vivian Watkins
To the love of my life. You will always be in my heart. You fought so hard to live, and went through so much pain. I don’t know what I’m going to do with out you, I am going to greatly miss you. But one day we will be together again so you better find me when I come up there. Love ya honey!
Linda Braune
Prayers for you and your family.
Manetta Gorenflo
Dear Vivian, Danene, RJ & sweet Devan, it is with deep sorry I post this message to you. Ricky will be truly missed by many, he pushed hard & fought hard through very serious health issues & was in part able to fight so valiantly through it with the loving support of each one of you. We will miss his smile, sense of humor & great cooking as we know you will as well! Our love, prayers & whatever support we can give you is with you always. We know his passing has left a big hole in your hearts that only the love & comfort of Jesus can truly fill at this time & knowing that Ricky is at peace now.
All Our Love, Manetta & Joe
Cynthia Brown
Dear Vivian, Danene and RJ,
Reggie and I were sorry to hear of the passing of RJ, Sr. Please know that we hold you dearly in our hearts and prayers. Let us know if there is absolutely anything we can do.
Sorrowfully,
Reggie and Cynthia Brown
Blair Stryckning
Sending many hugs and condolences to Mrs. Vivian, Danene, RJ, and Devan on your loss. I know Mr. Rick meant so much to each one of you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. ❤