Richard A. Shelton

Richard A. Shelton, of Glen Mills, Pa., a dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather, died peacefully on January 7, 2026.

Mr. Shelton is survived by two sons, Harry Shelton and his wife Anne of Wilmington, De., and Frank Shelton and his wife Robin of Middletown, De.; seven grandchildren, Matthew Shelton of Mt. Joy, Pa., Joseph Shelton of Newark, De., Kelly Shelton of Philadelphia, Pa., Gabriella Mackie of Middletown, De., Jake Shelton of Sarasota, Fl., Grant Mackie of Middletown, De., and Luke Shelton of Middletown, De.; one great grandchild, Brady Shelton of Middletown, De., and his beloved cat, Dexter. He was preceded in death by two brothers, the Rev. James Shelton of Ocean City, N.J., and George Shelton of Wilmington, De.

Mr. Shelton was born in Wilmington, De., on June 13, 1939, to Harry and Lillian Shelton. He grew up in Wilmington, De., and attended Wilmington High School. He served in the National Guard from the late 1950s to the early 1960s.

Mr. Shelton had a long career as a graphic artist for the DuPont Company in Newark, De. After retiring, he worked in customer service for West Coast Video in Pike Creek, De., The Village Gym in Middletown, De., and at the Hit Indoor Tennis Center in Hockessin, De. He also was proficient in calligraphy, and his work has been illustrated on every certificate for professional engineers issued by the State of Delaware since the late 1970s.

Mr. Shelton coached his sons’ Little League baseball teams in the 1970s. He coached CYO basketball teams in the 1960s. He was also a referee for Delaware high school basketball games throughout the 1970s and an umpire for recreational softball and Babe Ruth baseball leagues through the early 1980s. He was an avid golfer and a fan of Philadelphia sports teams. He was proud of being the “first ever” customer of McGlynns Pub in Pike Creek, De., where he remained a loyal customer until his passing.

Most of all, Mr. Shelton loved his family. When his first grandchild was able to talk, he named him “Dado,” a moniker that stuck for the rest of his life. He will be remembered for his jovial personality and sense of humor.

A private celebration of life will be held for Mr. Shelton at a later date.

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