Richard Caldwell

R. Caldwell, former State Official

Milford – On June 9, 2021, Richard Holmes Caldwell peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving wife and friends. He was known as “Dick” to his family and friends.

He was born on February 28, 1932 in Spangler, PA to the late Robert F. and Mary Saylor Caldwell.

Dick honorably served our country in the Army from 1953 to 1955.

Mr. Caldwell was a graduate of Spangler High School where he participated in band, chorus, football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Lock Haven State Teachers College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. While there he was a member of the college players, chorus, soccer, and track teams. Dick furthered his education from Southern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree and did graduate work at the University of Delaware and Delaware State College.

He was a teacher in the Milford School District where he served as an assistant football and wrestling coach and was the President of the Milford Teachers’ Association. From 1973 to 1992 he was Director of Student Teaching at Delaware State College.

Mr. Caldwell was appointed and served on the Kent County Committee on Drug Abuse and also the Kent County Economic Development Committee. He was politically active with the Kent County Republican Committee and was appointed and served as Delaware’s Assistant Secretary of State from 1969 – 1973.

Dick was known throughout the area for his fine singing voice and sang with the Presbyterian Church Choir, the Lewes Men’s Chorus and the First State Harmonizers Barbershop chorus.

He was an avid sportsman and served on the Central Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, was a member of the Brandy Station Hunt Club, and a member of the Silver Lake Fishing Club.

Mr. Caldwell was a life member of the Spangler, PA Fire Company. He also was a 63 year Life Member of the Memorial Fire Company, Station 89 in Slaughter Beach, DE, where he served as Vice President, Fire Police Captain, Rescue Captain, Safety Officer, Archivist, and Company Chaplain.

Dick was active in civil affairs serving as a volunteer at the Delaware Veterans Home and was the Volunteer Education Specialist at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base for over 20 years. He was a 15 year member of the Milford Lions Club, member of the American Legion Post 3, and past member of the Cedar Field Ruritan Club.

He married Janice Johnson on August 20, 1960, and they shared many happy years together serving the many students they taught. While participating in community and First Presbyterian Church functions, they formed many relationships throughout the City, County, and State.

In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Dick is survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Caldwell, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick will be sadly missed by his many family and friends. A special thank you for the loving care from Karen Roberts, Sonya Roberts, Fresenius Kidney Care, and Seasons Hospice.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 16th at the First Presbyterian Church, 101 S. Walnut Street, Milford, DE. Visitation will be 10AM to 11AM with a services to follow. Interment will be at the Milford Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Milford, or to the Dunnstown United Methodist Church, c/o Nancy Aurand, 146 S. Allegheny St. Lock Haven, PA 17745.