Richard Allen Neal

Richard Allen Neal Sr. was born on December 16, 1930, to the late Rev. Oscar S. Neal and Octavia C. Richardson Neal in Smyrna, DE. On Friday, February 9, 2024, Richard departed this life while surrounded by his family in his Morton, PA, home.

When Richard was twelve, his father was assigned to pastorship at Shorter AME church in Morton, PA. For many years, Richard enjoyed worshipping the Lord at Shorter AME, also serving as an usher and van driver later in life.

In his youth, Richard was a dedicated Boy Scout. He loved playing baseball for the Morton Athletic Association Baseball League with three of his brothers. As a teenager, Richard and his brother, Lawrence, worked as landscapers for the Hinkson family estate in Wallingford, PA.

Richard graduated from Media High School in 1949. After graduation, Richard joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he married his sweetheart, Rachel Bean. They were married for 72 years, a union from which five children were born: Richard Jr., Joseph, Regina, Rachel (Evey), and Robert.

In 1954, Richard was honorably discharged from the Navy, after which he was employed at Boeing Vertol. Richard worked at Boeing for 35 years, receiving many awards and acknowledgments during his tenure. Richard had been the supervisor of the sheet metal department for many years when he retired from Boeing in 1989. He went on to enjoy 35 years of a very active retirement.

Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, especially going to the shore for vacations and day trips. Many of those trips were made even more memorable with his pals, Bud, Dickie, and Jaky, who brought their families along as well. Two of his favorite trips were to Disney World and Las Vegas.

Richard had friends of all ages. He loved entertaining friends and company at home, including Brot, Georgie, Tyrone, Butch, and Mr. “Gordon.” Richard enjoyed phone calls with his nephew Bruce, niece Nita, Charlie, Warren, long-time friends, and former coworkers and most of all his sister Joyce. He looked forward to Sandy and her family bringing him a Daily Times everyday. Richard loved to sit on his porch when the weather was nice, making conversation with Albert, Herman, and other neighbors who passed by.

Richard loved watching football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf. He would fuss at anyone who said anything bad about Jalen Hurts. On the eve of his passing, Richard walked to Larry’s Barber Shop for a haircut and a shave. Later, Richard fixed himself his nightly bowl of ice cream—he loved his desserts. 

Richard was pre-deceased by his grandson Remington; brothers, Brooks, Oscar Jr., Howard, and Lawrence; sisters, Alice, Lucille, Ruth, Cora, and Octavia; and son-in-law, Granville (Reese).

He leaves his wife, Rachel, and their five children; sister, Joyce; daughter-in-law, Irene; son-in-law, Michael; grandchildren, Richard Shannon, Richard III (Buddy), Altare, Sherene, Reginald, Aikeem, Charrosé, and Caprice; step-grandchildren, Cathy, Cindy, and Shawana; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.

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