Richard D. Carlin

Richard Dripps Carlin, 96, of Oxford passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Ware Presbyterian Village, where he resided. Richard was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania on June 23rd, 1928, to Walter D. Carlin Sr. and Mary (née Newlin) Carlin. He is survived by his wife, Janet (née McDonald) Carlin, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Mary Carlin, brothers Walter D. Jr. and William G., and recently, his daughter Jennifer Weaver.

From childhood, Richard was an active participant in his church community and choir, first at the Doe Run Presbyterian Church in Coatesville, then at The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, and most recently at Oxford Presbyterian Church. His early education was held in a one-room schoolhouse that required a one mile walk each way. Richard graduated from Coatesville High School in 1945 and attended Franklin and Marshall College, earning a degree in Business Administration.

He began his career at Merrill Lynch which would be interrupted by 27 months of active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Supply and Disbursing Officer. He first served on the cruiser, The Worcester, CL 144, and then on the destroyer, The Miller, DD535. His active duty aboard The Miller took him on a memorable round-the-world cruise, with action off the coast of North Korea. After his service, he worked in real estate sales and business promotion. Richard fathered and raised four children with his wife Janet.

After retirement, Richard took an active role in rearing his 12 grandchildren. In addition to participating in their school education and moral upbringing, he instilled a great foundation of music admiration, sitting for countless hours listening to every note played whether performed in a concert hall or during practice in the living room. A true lover of music and poetry, Richard was a prolific crafter of songs for which he wrote both the music and lyrics. His favorite pastimes included writing and performing music in groups and for his church choirs. Richard wrote Christmas carols that he sent out to friends and loved ones for 39 consecutive years, from 1976 to 2014.

An incredibly thoughtful person, Richard always kept a notebook in his pocket to catch tidbits of information throughout his journeys. He was known to send newspaper clippings he encountered to his family and friends if they were relevant to their livelihoods or personal interests.

Richard enjoyed traveling alongside his wife for many decades. Some of his favorite trips were to Hawaii, Norway, Japan, and the British Isles. He always looked forward to spending summer vacations in Brooklin, Maine with his children and later grandchildren.

He will be most remembered for his keen wit, humble demeanor, generosity, thoughtfulness, and for his insatiably curious spirit. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of the arts, an appreciation for natural wonders, and the importance of showing kindness to all of God's creation.

Richard is survived by his wife Janet Carlin, his son Todd Carlin, his daughter Melissa Tillotson (Scott), daughter Aimee Clarke (Jim) and son-in-law Edward Weaver. He is survived by his 12 grandchildren, Kaitlin Weaver (Chad), Darby Weaver (Elliot), Wesley Weaver (Theresa) and daughter Jane, Natasha Carlin, Newlin Tillunger (Jeremy), Agatha Carlin, John Tillotson (Maia), Jack Clarke, Rees Tillotson, Graham Clarke, Owen Clarke and Nicole Clarke.

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