Dick Sexton, who lived at Brandywine in Moorestown and who was a long-time Haddonfield resident, passed away at the age of 91 on June 19.
He was the son of Richard Sexton and Mary Amy Sorensen Sexton, husband of the late Helen (nee Miller), whom he met in Key West and to whom he was married for 58 years, beloved father of Nancy Sexton Lauer (Jonathan) of Woodinville, Wash., & Richard J. Sexton (Kathleen) of Moorestown, loving grandfather of Sarah Sexton Miers (James), Andrew and Matthew, Caroline, Christine and Evan Lauer, dear brother of Edmond “Bud” Sexton, Marie Cardile and Elizabeth “Betty” Walker (Fred). Dick was also uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Dick grew up in Collingswood, graduated from Camden Catholic High School, served in the Army, and then went to La Salle College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1957. He then went into education, first teaching math at Pyne Point Middle School in Camden, and then serving as a guidance counselor at Hatch Middle School in Camden for almost 30 years. He was a strong believer in public schools, and he loved working with the students at Hatch.
Dick also loved all sports, most of all the Phillies, La Salle basketball and Notre Dame football. It was love-hate with the Phils – he survived the 1964 collapse and “Black Friday” in 1977, and then 1980 made it all worthwhile. Even now, he is likely amused that the 2020 Phils are still undefeated and tied for first. But most of all, Dick loved his kids’ sports. He rarely missed a game or swim meet.
Sexton also loved family vacations, driving his family to Florida in his ’62 Ford Falcon. He also loved the beach in Atlantic City, and later on with the Lauers, on Fire Island. He loved getting his family up at 6 a.m. to ride bikes on the boardwalk in A.C. He was actively involved in Haddonfield, volunteering with Town Watch, Interfaith Caregivers and Little League as a coach and umpire. He also enjoyed his days with the 65 Club.
Dick also loved his Wawa ham hoagies (extra oil, extra onions), along with Schmidt’s beer back in the day, then Genesee Cream Ale, and later in life, a glass or two of Merlot.
Dick was an avid follower of politics. He would not want his passing to count toward anyone’s “badge of honor.” A great and loyal son, brother, father, and grandfather. He will be missed.
There will be a Memorial Mass for Dick at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church at a future date. Meanwhile, memorial donations may be made to Haddonfield Interfaith Caregivers.
