Richard W. Hertach, 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 4th at home in Wilmington, Delaware. Rick was a proud father, grandfather and husband who loved his family.
He was born on September 7th, 1945 in Rutland, Vermont to Warren and Louise Hertach. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Hertach.
Rick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail Hertach, four children: Natalie (Bill) Allen, Adam (Robin) Hertach, Noah (Winie) Hertach, and Jesse (Christina) Hertach; three grandsons: Quentin Coleman, Kaleb Coleman and Noah Hertach; two siblings: Stephen Hertach and Janet Hertach.
A Navy veteran, Rick was a NCO petty officer sonar operator in the submarine service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His love of the water became a driving force behind many of his hobbies and professional pursuits throughout his life. Rick earned the rank of First Mate and worked on privately owned tug boats operating out of the Port of Wilmington.
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Rick will be remembered for the extraordinary sales abilities he demonstrated by owning and operating several successful businesses in Delaware. This includes Hertach Asphalt Maintenance Co., Dinner Bell Foods and the Joy Dogs hotdog cart at the Delaware City DMV.
Playing his 12-string acoustic guitar and listening to folk music was a life-long personal passion. He looked forward to attending the Swannanoa Gathering, a week-long folk music workshop held in the mountains of North Carolina each year, to hone his guitar skills. He loved Folk and BlueGrass music and often enjoyed concerts by his favorite musicians. He enjoyed fishing, fly tying, leather work and woodcarving.
Rick was an avid reader, but his most beloved book was the Bible. His well-worn leather-backed copy endured many years of vigorous page-turning during discussion and debate.
He frequently engaged in discussions about Jesus and the Gospel, allowing him to boldly share the Good News of Salvation with anyone and everyone he met. Of great comfort to his family is the knowledge that he is now safely in the arms of Jesus. Doubtless, he would wish the same for every single one of us.
A time of visitation and remembrance will be held at 3-4pm on Sunday, April 16th at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE, followed by a time for sharing at 4-5pm. The family welcomes friends and family to share their fond memories of Rick. If you would like to have a remembrance read on your behalf, due to absence or preference, please email them to Natalie Allen at TheFixerNatalie@gmail.com
The Time of Sharing will be webcast live at the following site: https://my.gather.app/remember/richard-rick-hertach
Burial with full military honors will be held at 11am on Monday, April 17th at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery located 2465 Chesapeake City Rd.,Bear DE 19701. All are welcome to attend.
If you feel inclined to send flowers, please send something that can be planted.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
