Richard Calvin Ingling's Obituary
It is with deep love and remembrance that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, who recently made his home in Milton, Delaware to be closer to family.
Born on September 14, 1950, in Burlington, New Jersey, he graduated from Lenape High School in 1969 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1977. During his military service, he was stationed in Vietnam and Germany, working as a military police officer and with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). His bravery and dedication were recognized with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.
Following his service, he continued a life of public safety and entrepreneurship. He served as a police officer in North Hanover and Hainesport, New Jersey, and later owned and operated an Investigation and Polygraph Service, as well as a limousine business.
A man of many talents and passions, he also found a unique path in professional wrestling. He was trained at the Monster Factory and went on to work as a referee (The Enforcer) as well as performing under several personas.
His adventurous spirit led him to a wide-ranging career that included working as a security investigator at Walt Disney World, where he also escorted celebrities and dignitaries and helped support the opening of the traveling Disney Fair. He even took on the role of alligator wrestler at Gatorland Zoo in Florida. Later, he built a successful career in risk management within the hotel and hospitality industry, working in Orlando, New Orleans, and Las Vegas before retiring in 2020.
He was known for his storytelling, always ready with a tale from his many adventures across the United States and around the world. He formed lasting friendships wherever he went, connecting with people from all walks of life.
In recent years, his greatest joy was his family—especially his beloved grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Malia, gardening, working in the yard, and volunteering as Executive Vice President and Treasurer for the Cauliflower Alley Club. He had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, including “good eating", desserts, Philly pretzels, sangria, and a good cigar.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Wix Ingling; his daughters, Jennifer Toth of Delran, New Jersey (husband Bill and their children Paige and Will), and Heather Ingling Gross of Rancocas, New Jersey (her children Colette and Hannah); and his sisters, Connie Mederios of San Diego, California (husband Dale and their children Alyssa, Ezra, and Israel), and Linda Macedo of Santee, California (husband Joe and their son Frankie).
He was predeceased by his mother Constance Lesko, father, Richard Ingling and two brothers, Jeffrey and Danny Ingling
A Celebration of Life with family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cauliflower Alley Club at https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/donations, or any veterans organization in his honor.
He will be remembered for his courage, humor, and the extraordinary life he lived.
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