1949 – 2026
October 9 – 11, 2026
Wilmington, Delaware
The Weekend
A weekend together to celebrate Rick and spend time as a family, with plenty of unscheduled time in between for rest, family, and memories.
Lodging
Most of the family is staying at the Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown. Many other downtown hotels are fully booked that weekend for other events, so options are limited. A few alternatives are noted below.
Staybridge Suites Wilmington Downtown
Extended-stay hotel with suite-style rooms and kitchenettes, right on Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
Most of the family is staying here.
The Quoin Hotel
A small boutique hotel in a restored 1860s building on Market Street, walking distance from Staybridge.
Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront
Waterfront hotel a short drive from downtown. Fully booked for the weekend of October 9 to 11.
Hotel du Pont
The historic landmark hotel inside the DuPont Building. Fully booked for the weekend of October 9 to 11.
Arrive, check in, settle in. There is no formal start to the weekend.
People will be arriving on different flights throughout the day. Get settled in your hotel, rest, and take the day at your own pace.
A relaxed, drop-in evening inside the historic DuPont Building. There is no formal reservation, but folks will be there from 6:30 to 8:30. Come by whenever you land and feel up to it. Order food if you are hungry. Stay as little or as much as you want.
The goal is to have an easy, comfortable place to see each other as everyone arrives.
DE.CO
111 W. 10th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Inside the historic DuPont Building
DE.CO is a food hall with several restaurants under one roof and shared seating. Guests order individually from any of the restaurants.
An intimate morning together, stories over lunch, a slow afternoon, and dinner as a family.
We will gather at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, beside the grave of Rick and Eleanor’s father, A.K. Shiels, where Rick asked for his ashes to be buried. This will be an intimate gathering, just family together, in the way Rick would have wanted.
Melissa, Alice, Lexi, and Eleanor will take part in burying Rick’s ashes. There will be a few planned words and readings before the floor opens to anyone who would like to speak, share a memory, or share a reading.
If there is a story, poem, passage, or quotation that makes you think of Rick, please feel welcome to bring it with you. You are also welcome to simply speak from the heart in the moment. There is no expectation to say anything. Being there together is enough.
St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery
10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19807
Plan to leave the hotel by about 8:25 AM to arrive comfortably before 9:00.
The gathering will take place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. If it is raining, umbrellas will be provided.
A sit-down lunch together after the graveside. Once everyone has settled in and had a chance to eat, we will make space around the table for the lighter side of remembering Rick: the funny stories, the things he always said, the moments that still make us laugh, and the memories that feel completely and unmistakably him.
All are welcome to share stories, but there is no pressure to speak.
Pizza by Elizabeths
3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville / Wilmington, DE 19807
A reservation is held for the family. Please plan to arrive close to 12:00.
The afternoon is intentionally unscheduled. Feel free to rest or explore. Nothing is expected until dinner.
An intimate, casual dinner to close out our day together. Family dinner with plenty of food options and time to visit and talk before turning in for the night.
The Chancery Market
1313 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
A food hall with multiple restaurants and shared seating. Complimentary three-hour parking is available in the garage under the market on Saturdays.
Saturday night is our family dinner and send-off. Sunday is when everyone departs Wilmington.
If you have a later flight and would like breakfast before you go, here are a few easy options.
Milk + Honey
Downtown coffee shop with fresh breakfast fare. Walking distance from Staybridge.
Riverfront Bakery
Down by the riverfront, a short drive from downtown. Pastries, quiche, crepes, and coffee. Casual and quick.
Coterie Cafe + Kitchen
A nicer sit-down brunch for anyone with a later flight and time to linger.
Goober’s Diner
Retro stainless-steel diner near Trolley Square. Breakfast classics and comfort fare, quick and casual.
First Watch
A short drive out. Classic sit-down breakfast with plenty of options.
Thank you for being here, and for helping us celebrate Rick, surrounded by the people who loved him most.