The admirable Richard A. Hartford passed peacefully July 30 in his home in Bear, Del., at the age of 73, after a long-fought battle with cancer.

Born on Feb. 7, 1949, Richard loved a lot of things in his life — his time in the military, brewing beer, traveling, walking, his family, but most of all his wife Barbara. The two had a once-in-a-lifetime love.

Richard’s incredible career in the U.S. Air Force began in 1968. His 20 years of service took him across the world, even serving in the Vietnam War in Korea and Thailand. Richard retired from the Air Force in 1988. After a magnificent career in the military, he started working at Northrup Grumman in California and Boeing Aircraft in Philadelphia.

Richard’s laugh and joy for life lives on in his family. His most used words were “I love you ” — he always told his family how much he loved them. Richard’s family knew him as a loving, dedicated, and patient husband, father and grandfather. He truly was and still is the heart of his family.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Hartford of Bear, Del.; daughter Deborah Hartford of Harrison, Maine; daughter Heidi and her husband of Tooele, Utah; four grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

He joins his mother and father in heaven.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11 a.m. at the Forest Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at the Masonic Hall from 1 to 3 p.m.