Dr. Richard Stanley Tobey, Jr.

Dr. Richard S. Tobey, Jr., 76, a beloved husband and a great friend to so many, died on August 26, 2022 while hiking on Mont Blanc in France. Rich was truly a Renaissance man – there was nothing that he would not try or could not do. His talents and interests were vast – sailing, playing golf, squash, bocce and croquet, hunting, hiking, wine collecting, gardening, and traveling to name a few. Rich was a talented sculptor, as well as visionary and builder of the many additions to his property. He lived his life to the fullest, exploring Europe on a motorcycle, ski bumming for a season in Vermont, restoring and enjoying his beloved classic sports cars, and globetrotting with his wife. During the Pandemic, Rich embraced the art of cooking and delighted in sharing his dishes with friends. Most evenings, he and his wife Paddy toasted to their joyous life with their Jameson’s while enjoying the sunset from their terrace. As a proud Scot, Rich wore his tartan whenever the occasion warranted. As a proud American, he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on Christmas Eve in 1945, Rich was the son of the late Richard S. and Virginia L. Tobey. This is also where he met his future bride, Paddy Moore, when he was 5 years old. Rich attended college at the University of Virginia, served 3 years in the U.S. Army Military Counter Intelligence Corps and then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where he graduated with a DMD degree with honors. He was one of two who were accepted into Penn’s Periodontal Prosthesis in the Graduate Dental Specialty School, a three-year dual specialty program where he received Periodontal and Prosthodontic Specialty Certification. In addition, he received a MS degree in Education from the Graduate School of Education at Penn. Rich then joined the faculty at the U of Penn’s School of Dental Medicine where he was Director of Clinical Studies. He taught for 15 years and lectured around the US as well as several foreign countries. His love of teaching was instrumental in so many of his students’ love for the profession and they kept in touch with him throughout his life. He also had a specialty practice in dentistry in Philadelphia until his retirement in 2012. Rich was a consummate teacher and mentor in both personal and professional realms. For himself and those he taught, Rich had high expectations. In return, he modeled an extraordinary work ethic and provided remarkable patience, guidance and ingenuity. He also taught others about all things wonderful without preaching or making anyone feel insecure. Plus, he always listened deeply to what others said. Rich’s love of sailing brought him to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1988. He was an avid sailboat racer and even raced his boat in several Bermuda Races. He became a full time resident of Kent County after his retirement and taught sailing at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club where he had also served as Vice Commodore and on the Board of Directors. Rich was instrumental in the beginning of the Chestertown Bocce League, started the Bocce League at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club and even built a bocce court on his property. He had also served as a board member of the Kent County Library Foundation and was a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia. Rich’s charitable heart led him to support a number of Kent County charities over the years, including the Special Olympics, The Sultana Foundation and the Kent County Animal Shelter. He and his wife welcomed to their home for years “their boys”, musicians who participated in the National Music Festival. Rich was interested in everyone and loved to talk about shared interests. Rich made friends wherever he went – he kept in close touch with his high school buddies, his dental friends in Philadelphia as well as many of his patients, his hunting and sailing pals, golfing partners and especially his close friends with whom he and his wife traveled. He was a gentleman who lived his life with integrity and touched many lives with his passion, generosity and style. Rich is survived by the love of his life, soul mate and wife of almost 14 years, Patricia M. Tobey ‘Paddy’; his loving sister Pamela T. Reilly; his niece Sarah L. Reilly, nephew Richard T. Reilly (Christie), grandnieces Montana F. Reilly and Mia T. Reilly; his two step-daughters Robyn F. Herbert (Joe), Jamie B. Crockett (Zack), and his and Paddy’s granddaughter Indigo Q. Crockett ‘Quinn’ whom he mentored when she stayed with them over many summers from ages 9 to 16. He is also survived by his brother-in-law John C. Moore (Marilyn) with whom he was very close. A long-time animal lover, he is also survived by his dogs Alli, Cinder and Kayla, and his cat Brandy. Funeral Services for Dr. Tobey will be private. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Chester River Golf & Country Club, 7738 Quaker Neck Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Dr. Richard S. Tobey, Jr. to The Animal Care Shelter of Kent County (Humane Society of Kent County, 10720 Augustine Herman Hwy, Chestertown, MD 21620), the Kent Cultural Alliance (101 Spring Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620) or to Penn Dental Medicine (University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030).

Dr. Richard Stanley Tobey, Jr.

December 24, 1945 - August 26, 2022