Gamble, Richard "Rick"

Richard “Rick” H. Gamble, 73, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at Wilmington Hospital in the presence of his loving family on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Born and raised in Chester, PA, Rick attended Chester High School (Class of ‘65) where he played baseball, basketball and established lifelong friendships. After high school, he proudly served his country in the Air Force. Later, Rick earned a Bachelors in Education at West Chester State College and a Masters from Villanova. Rick’s love of people and passion for helping his community led him to a 35-year career as a teacher, counselor and coach to countless students in the Ridley School District.

In the summer you could find Rick installing above-ground pools, if he was not lying on the beach or soaking up the sun somewhere. In addition to his career as an educator, Rick worked as an Investment Advisor for PlanMember Services. A member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for 40 years, Rick worked on staff for one year and selflessly volunteered hours on end as a trustee.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Rick played baseball and basketball throughout his childhood. He continued his athletic pursuits into adulthood – running, lifting weights and always staying active. Rick was happiest when he was lying in the sun, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, and playing golf. He loved the beach and notably loved traveling to any warm and sunny location – especially to St. Martin and Cabo. Rick loved a good margarita and a soak in the hot tub. It’s hard to put into words how much Rick loved his family and friends – his greatest joy was spending time with the people he cared about.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Merchant Smith and Jack W. Gamble, and by his step mother, Dorothy Gamble and step father, Robert Smith.

He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 47 years, Bonnie J. Gamble; son, Michael Gamble (Angela) of Safety Harbor, FL; daughter Megan New (Jefferson) of Landenberg, PA; daughter Morgan Gamble (Maureen Corr) of Downingtown, PA; grandchildren Madison, Wesley, Tyler New and Nolan, Stella, Lucy Gamble. He is survived by his siblings Skip Gamble (Sandy) of West Grove, PA, Gail Daras (Kirby) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Beth Freney (Chip) of West Chester, PA. Rick is survived by his aunt, Nancy Bryant of Ocean Pines, MD, and also by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of close friends.

A visitation with the family will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Saturday, October 16th, at 10 a.m. A memorial service to celebrate Rick’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. Masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rick’s name can be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

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