Richard Duilio Del Papa passed away on January 25, 2026 at the age of 79. Richard was a caring father, grandfather, sibling, and friend. Richard relocated to Fraser after being born and raised in Detroit.
Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Del Papa; his son, Richard Del Papa II; his parents: Orfeo and Gloria Del Papa; and his brother-in-law, Jack Kline.
Richard built a loving family with Shirley. He is survived by three of their adoring children: Michael Del Papa (Alyssa), Danielle Manzella (Ryan), and Renee Thompson (Jody).
He is also survived by his grandchildren, including Joseph, Drew, Jason, Nicholas, Mya, Justice, Serenity, and Faith Del Papa; Jack, Aidan, and Evan Manzella; Vivian and Eleanor Thompson; and Patience Adams. His adoration for his fourteen grandchildren cannot be put into words.
Richard is further survived by his siblings: Ron (Osa Ann) and Robert (Denise) Del Papa; Gloria Laird; and Michelle Grifka (Ray), alongside brothers-in-law: Jim Kline (Sue), Tom Kline (Karen), and sister-in-law, Mary Kline Cueter (Walt).
Richard was a devoted Catholic throughout his life and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He also enjoyed a long career as a metal model maker. He served as a Union Committee Man and retired from General Motors in 2008.
A visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, located at 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035, on January 29, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A rosary service will be held that evening at 7:00 pm.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Parish, located at 31555 Hoover Rd, Warren, MI 48093, on January 30, 2026 at 10:00 am, with an instate at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, Richard's family requests donations to be made to Penrickton Center for Blind Children. Donations may be made via the link below.
https://penrickton.org/donations/donate-to-penrickton-center/
