Richard K. Urey (Rick), age 59, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed away suddenly on November 2, 2022, in Baltimore, MD.

Rick was born on January 3, 1963, to Margaret C. Urey, and the late James F. Urey, and grew up in the small borough of Eddystone, PA, before moving to Upper Chichester in 1977. He graduated from Chichester High School in 1980. Rick excelled in sports throughout his childhood and was best known as one of the top scorers while playing in the Eddystone Biddy Basketball League, and All-Star Team which won the Pennsylvania state championship in 1975. While in high school, he received back-to-back MVP awards for baseball and basketball in 1977.

Rick pursued higher education later in life and earned his master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University in 2006, his bachelor's degree in Psychology from Widener University (2002) and his associates degree in behavioral health from Delaware County Community College (2000). He later became a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and enjoyed a long-standing, successful career in the field of behavior health, specializing in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.

In Rick's most recent role, he worked as the Chief of Addiction and Transitional Services for the state of Delaware, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, since 2018. Under his leadership, he helped successfully launch The Bridge Clinics, in all three counties of the state, which were established to help provide immediate services to patients in need of assistance navigating mental health and substance abuse treatment, regardless of their ability to pay. Rick also helped launch the Police Diversion Program (PDP), which aims to divert individuals suffering from addiction and mental health away from the criminal justice system and instead, provide a pathway to treatment and lasting recovery. In addition, Rick was instrumental in the recent opening of the Gaudenzia Claymont Center, a residential treatment center for pregnant and parenting Women, located in Claymont, DE.

Prior to working for the state of Delaware, Rick worked within the Crozer Keystone Health System, in Chester, PA, for 13 years, beginning his career as a drug and alcohol counselor at Community Hospital, and held various management positions throughout his time there, working his way up to become the Director of First Steps, Crozer's first in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center before leaving in 2018.

Rick had a true passion for helping people in their struggle with addiction and their journey in recovery and had a keen sense of connecting with people, no matter where they were at. He was a mentor to many throughout his career and was always available to help anyone, anywhere at any time; he was just a phone call away and people knew they could reach out and he would be there.

Rick was also an avid Philadelphia Sports Team fan and very passionate about the Eagles. He never missed a game and watched them with such enthusiasm and animation, it was entertaining at times.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, of 37 years, his two daughters, Rachael Kulp (Jesse), and Rebecca Urey; whom he cherished with all his heart; his mother, Margaret C. Urey, sisters Patricia Witt (late Chip), Joan Morrison (Raymond), brother, the late James R. Urey, many nieces and nephews and, last but not least, his dog, Chauncey and grand dog, Bryce, who he adored.

Visitation 6 to 9 PM Friday, November 11, 2022 at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park and 9:45 to 10:45 AM Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 where a Funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM. Burial Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a memorial fund in Rick's name to create a foundation that will help fund programs that he was passionate about, to spread awareness, reduce harm, and break the stigma of addiction and mental health. Information will be posted on his Facebook page in the weeks to come.