Richard W. O’Shaughnessy, 91, of Hockessin, Delaware, a gentle, warm and big-hearted man serendipitously passed away on Valentine’s Day, Saturday February 14th, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 8th, 1934, to the late Timothy and Josephine O’Shaughnessy, who both passed while Rich was a young man. Rich formed his own path into adulthood and lived a “great life” filled with family, laughter, kindness, curiosity, humility, and community service.
Rich honorably served in the United States Army and was employed by Hercules Inc. until retirement at 55, so that he could open O’Shaughnessy Woodworking. For fifteen years he lived his dream of creating whatever clients requested: custom baby gates, the top of Mike Schmidt’s bar in Philadelphia, etc. Closing shop at 70 years old did not mean Rich stopped woodworking. There was always a project going on in his home shop, creating the world’s only wooden humidistat, finishing a spectacular magnetic spherical chess board (at 90 years old), and as a final labor of love, toy trains for his three new great-grandsons, and two sets of O’Shaughnessy twins.
Rich believed in community and truly walked the walk. As an original home owner, he was involved in having a swimming pool built in the Arundel (Pike Creek) neighborhood, he created the first chess club at St. Ann’s school (Wilmington) so that his grandchildren had friends to play chess with, he was president of Delaware Senior Olympics ( himself a national swimming medal winner), he was a member of the Delaware Woodworker’s Guild, and so much more. Rich’s love of swimming was heightened by watching his children, and then grandchildren as competitive swimmers. At his 90th birthday celebration, he credited swimming with keeping him alive so long, and for being one of three lasting loves of his life (family, swimming and woodworking). He even swam the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Swim and was the oldest swimming member of the family Chatauqua Lake Triathlon.
Rich shared a delightful marriage of almost 69 years with his best friend and wife, Audrey (Keeler) O’Shaughnessy. They grew up and then grew old together, sharing love, laughter, partnership, communication, and enduring devotion no matter what life brought. Without compare, Rich was a family man. He was a devoted constant father, grandfather, and loving great-grandfather. He is survived by his three children, Joseph O’Shaughnessy (Debbie), Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman (John), and Michael O’Shaughnessy (Kelly); his eight grandchildren, Keeley (Sam), Patrick (Sara), Sean, Kevin, Ryan, Gregory, Brian (Katie) and Mari-Kate; and four great-grandchildren Logan, Jamie, Murphy, and Ezra. Rich also leaves behind a large extended family.
In addition to his parents, Rich is pre-deceased by his brothers, Donald and Jim; and sisters, Jean and Joan. He is also pre-deceased by nephews, Tim and Tom; niece, Joanne; and his beloved grandson, Kevin (whom he termed Kevin the Red, due to his awesome red hair).
Rich was a humble gentleman with an extraordinary sense of humor; he could lay out a joke like a world class comedian. He loved well written music (particularly classical), road trips, spearmint leaves, history, doing the NYT Crossword puzzle in pen, morning coffee and the wordle, a good book, apple fritters, sausage pizza, Jeopardy, tomato bisque soup, and when the Coors Light Mountains were blue it meant his beer (can only) was just right. His easy-going nature, quick Irish wit, and remarkable intelligence, yet powerful humility left an enduring impression on everyone whom he met. We will remember our beloved husband, Dad, Gramps, and Great Gramps with his ever-present infectious smile and laughter, kind and generous heart, and zest for always being happy in his life.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 5-7 PM on Thursday February 26th at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road Wilmington DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday February 27th at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 2503 Centerville Road, Wilmington DE 19808.
Donations in Rich’s honor may be made to Delaware Swim School Freestyles, checks made payable to Freestyles Incorporated, 4905 Mermaid Blvd., Wilmington DE 19808.
To offer condolences, visit: www.dohertyfh.com
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