Richard Chinery

Richard (Dick) F. Chinery, 85, of Longacre Village, Dover, Delaware passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2021.  Richard was born in Point Pleasant Hospital in Ocean County, New Jersey in 1936.  He attended Lakehurst Elementary School and later, Lakewood High School.  After High School, Richard was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, and upon leaving the military, had an honorable discharge and an accommodation for Good Conduct.  Richard had an extensive and dignified career in law enforcement that began in 1961.  At 25, he became the first Chief of Police in Lakehurst, New Jersey, a small south Jersey borough, and the youngest Chief of Police in the state of New Jersey.  In 1967, he joined the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, rising to the rank of Lieutenant of County Detectives, while spending evenings completing his Bachelors of  Arts Degree from Monmouth University. He was later invited to become an innovative Safety Director for the Jackson Township Police Department.

          In 1995,  he returned to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, in the position of Chief of Investigators. Upon his final retirement in 1997, he and his wife Mary first lived in New Jersey and later, happily settled in the state of Delaware.

         Richard's life and persona was characterized by a quick wit and sense of humor.  He entertained friends and family with his great quips and stories and enriched everyone's lives with his deep fondness for books.  We will remember the impact of his intellectual interests and lively discussions for many years to come.

         Richard Chinery was also a talented and prolific watercolor artist who donated and sold many of his paintings, as well as he shared them with friends and family. One notable donation was to Howard University, to which he contributed numerous portraits of  famous African-American singers and musicians.

         Richard is predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Mary Chinery, and his sister Judy Tilton. He is survived by his brother Robert Chinery; his son Richard Chinery Jr. and his spouse, Sharon U. Chinery;  his son Robert L. Chinery and his spouse Elizabeth Chinery;  and his grandson Richard C. Chinery and granddaughter Lauren V. Chinery.

         He and his wife Mary, now both recently deceased will be remembered each day and missed each hour in our daily lives. They, being the most important foundation of a loving family life, blessed us with the gift of who they were, and this we will forever cherish...

     There will be a private family memorial gathering celebrating the life of Richard      “Dick” Chinery.

     Thank you for your online condolences  @  www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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