Birth date: Jul 26, 1953 Death date: May 10, 2026
Richard John Dressel, Jr., affectionately known by many as “Poppy,” passed away on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, at the age of 72 after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. At the time of his passing, the love of Read Obituary
Our family was so saddened to hear the passing of Rick. He was such a great guy and so good to his family. When our family moved to Mitchell Estates in Wilmington, DE in the early 80's, the Dressel's were one of the first to welcome us. We quickly became close friends. Rick was always friendly and kind. Our Kristen and Stephanie were really close. Playing sports together and playing in the neighborhood. Our families spent a lot of time as well together at the Skyline pool.
Poppy,
From the first picture to the very last, you filled our lives with love, laughter, and memories I’ll cherish forever.
From meeting in Las Vegas to exploring the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the Badlands, so many of my favorite adventures were with you. The Fenwick day trips, Dogfish Brewery tours, bowling nights, dinner dates, endless beach days, cruising, elevator pictures, celebrating the Eagles Super Bowl win, and you teaching me how to drive a scooter — every moment became a memory because of you.
Thank you for the love you gave so freely. Thank you for giving me a sister I absolutely adore. And thank you for giving me the love of my life, Rob. You changed my life in the most beautiful ways and made it better simply by being in it.
You will always hold such a special place in my heart, and I’ll carry your love with me through every picture, every memory, and every moment ahead.
Forever grateful for you ♥️
A really good friend and neighbor. Over the past decade we played golf and pinochle, laughed at happy hours and neighborhood get togethers. He always laughed at stupid things I was doing... like hugging Ruthie. Just a really good man that loved his family and served his community. The world needs more 'Ricks'.
I met Rick on the job, when I worked in Detectives, NCCPD. Later Rick was my swim team rep when I coached Slyline swim team, coaching both Steph and Ricky. Rick was always proud of his kids accomplishments in life. Several months ago Rick, Ruth, my wife, Pam and I went to lunch and reminisced. Rick had contacted me recently about lunch again but his medical issues interfered. Rick was a good friend whose memories will never be forgotten.
Our condolences for the passing of Lieutenant Richard J. “Rick” Dressel, Jr. #021, (Ret.) who served 08.01.1975 - 10.01.1996 | 38th Academy Recruit Class.
Everything. You were the BEST dad and Pop-Pop and we couldn’t love you more. Thank you for all the amazing memories ❤️ we will miss you every day.
To the Family
My sincere sympathies.
Rick was a classmate at John Dickinson
High School.
I hope fond memories bring a smile at this difficult time.
RAB
JDHS 71
