Richard H. “Doc” Chaffinch passed away peacefully in Salisbury on Aug. 20, 2021. Doc was born to the late James Richard and Lena Eskridge Chaffinch on July 25, 1933 in Seaford.
He was preceded in death by his infant son and brothers Robert Chaffinch and Roland Chaffinch.
After graduating in 1953 from Seaford High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Doc met his wife Madeline Ann Phillips Chaffinch in high school, and they married 64 years ago on Aug. 25, 1957. He is survived by his daughter Kathryn Chaffinch Adkins, son-in-law Paul Adkins; daughter Molly Chaffinch Dall’Erta and son-in-law Raffaele Dall’Erta; granddaughters Lauren Adkins, Caroline Adkins, and Sofia Dall’Erta; his brother Ronald Chaffinch, sister-in-law Mauree Chaffinch and several nieces and nephews.
Doc was a career salesman and as his high school yearbook quoted, he ‘could sell ice to a polar bear.’ He worked in menswear retail as a buyer and salesman for over 50 years, first for Ralph & Gaskill and then Phillips Men Shop. He loved his customers and took pride in fitting them in the perfect apparel for their wardrobe.
He was a dedicated and passionate community volunteer throughout his life, with a huge heart for service. While in Seaford, and later in Salisbury, he became a volunteer life member of both fire companies. He graduated from Delaware State Fire School and went on to serve as an EMT, fireman and rescue dive team member– always willing to lend a hand and help people in their time of need.
He was a member of the Salisbury Lions Club for over 52 years and served as the organization’s President from 1982-83. Doc received the Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 2002 in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian service. He was happiest when volunteering with his fellow Lions, particularly while frying chicken for the county fair, organizing the annual Knights for Sight bike ride and performing vision screening for young children. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Church and served on numerous committees.
Doc’s version of a perfect day was a sunny summer day on the eastern shore spent surf fishing, eating crabs, and laughing with family and friends. He loved his dogs, working in his backyard, listening to country music, and driving in his vintage Jeep. His infectious laugh, affinity for light-hearted pranks and unparalleled storytelling skills will be deeply missed by many.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 115 St. Peter’s Street, Salisbury, MD, and the funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salisbury Lions Club, PO Box 665, Salisbury, MD 21802, or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 St. Peter’s Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 or stpeterschurch.net.
All arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family visit www.hollowayfh.com.