Richard F. Dilts

Richard Frederick Dilts, born on May 30, 1933, in Trenton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Hunterdon Care Center in Raritan Township, NJ. He was 91 years old. He was the son of the late Stanley F. and Elizabeth (Frederick) Dilts and had formerly resided in Mercer County, NJ, but had lived in Hunterdon County, NJ since 1958. Richard led a life filled with dedication to his family, profession, and passions.

A skilled horticulturist, Richard spent 17 years at Cunningham's Nursery & Greenhouses from 1958 to 1975, where he specialized in the wholesale cultivation of flowers, particularly carnations. His commitment to his craft earned him membership in the National Association of Gardener's. In the subsequent chapter of his life, he became the proprietor of Poor Richard's Winery along with his devoted wife Judy in Frenchtown, NJ, where they not only created remarkable wines but also nurtured the vines from which they were made. Among the many accolades he received, Richard was proud to be recognized as the New Jersey Governor's Cup Winner for "best wine", a testament to his skill and passion as a winemaker. He was also a founding member of the Garden State Wine Growers Association, contributing to the growth of local viticulture.

Richard's love for family was both profound and unconditional. He is survived by his loving family, including Beth and Mark Tomasello, Katherine and Brian Mundhenk, Maureen and Victor Garzoni, Ashley and Steve Escamilla, Kristen and Shane McParland, Sarah, Chris, Madison, and Leah Bittenmaster, Danielle and Lise Bey, Jessica, Matt, Geneva, Scarlett and Tavish Krotowski, Courtney, Neil, Weston and Lennon Dunn, Alex, Taylr, Indigo and Bohdi Garzoni, Michael, Ryan, and Parker Rampel, Michelle Podpora, Caitlin, Cheyenne, Christina, Julia, Rachyl, and Chester. Known affectionately as “grandpop grapes,” he found great joy in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife Judy, Richard was predeceased by his daughter, Lura Beth Dilts, who passed away in 1959, and great granddaughter Indigo Garzoni.

As an avid NASCAR fan and a devoted supporter of the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Richard embraced the joys that life had to offer.

Earlier in his life he took part with his family in an annual charitable event, Thanksgiving in the Country. This event raised funds through home baked goods as part of a colonial house tour which benefited children requiring facial reconstruction. He continued to enjoy the art of bread baking. 

Later in life Richard enjoyed spending his winters in the warm southern states.  He and Judy especially loved swimming, biking and viewing a beautiful sunset every night.

His life was a rich tapestry woven with memories, achievements, and the love of family, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. The visitation is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Noon, followed by the funeral service beginning promptly at 12:00 PM Noon. Interment, next to his wife and daughter, will follow at Union Cemetery, Boss Road, Ringoes, NJ. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit Richard's memorial page and guestbook below at www.holcombefisher.com.