Francis J. Richards

Francis J. Richards home builder, decorated WWII veteran; 89 LOWELL Francis Joseph Richards, 89, died peacefully Thursday morning, September 18, 2008 following a long illness. He was the husband of the late Eileen (Chouinard) Richards who died in September 1994 to whom he was married for 47 years. He was born on April 20, 1919, in Andover, MA, son of the late Joseph A. Richards and Angeline Bernard. He received his early education in the Andover school system and earned a Certificate from the American Institute of Baking, Chicago, IL. Mr. Richards resided with his family in Dracut, MA until the death of his wife when he moved to Lowell to live with his son, Peter. He was a member of the former Ste. Therese Church in Dracut, MA and most recently a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell. Francis J. Richards was a distinguished World War II veteran. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army as a member of the 686th Quartermaster Bakery Company. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater in the Solomon Islands, Southern Philippines. A decorated World War II veteran he received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. Frank Richards was a self-employed builder until his retirement at the age of 80. Upon returning home after being honorably discharged; Mr. Richards worked in the construction industry for his father until he started his own home building and remodeling business and eventually worked with his son. He most enjoyed fishing, traveling, and card parties. Frank was always quick to lend a helping hand to family and friends with those 'little home improvement projects'. He was a proud member of the Centerville Social Club. His special joy in later life was doting on his granddaughter, Kate. Mr. Richards is survived by his daughter, Jean F. (Richards) and her husband, James W. O"Neil of Chaddsford, PA, and their sons, Michael C. O'Neil and Kevin P. O'Neil; a daughter, Linda L. (Richards) and her husband, Rodger F. Martin of Southbury, CT, and their son, Joseph R. Martin and their daughter, Carolyn J. (Martin) and her husband, Adam Hissong; a son, Peter E. Richards and his wife, Donna M. (Scannell) of Lowell, MA, and their daughter, Kathryn P. Richards; a daughter, Paula J. (Richards) married to Joseph J. Bucchio of Lowell, MA, and their son, Justin Bucchio, their daughter, Jessica Bucchio and the late Jason Bucchio. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Evan, Nicholas and Jack Hissong of Cary, IL. Mr. Richards is brother of his surviving siblings, Anne R. Springer, George I. Richards and his wife, Laura B., C. William Richards and his wife, Irene E., Lorraine R. Kenney, Mildred R. and her husband, John J. Fairburn, Ella R. and her husband, Charles A. Riley. He is the brother-in-law of Yvette C. Trouville, Doris C. Noel, George Chouinard and his wife, Cecile, Annette C. and her husband, Joseph Tully, Juliette C. Doyle, Lucille C. Lacourse. He was the brother of the late J. Wilfred Richards, Mary Marguerite Keyes, and Harold C. Richards, and brother-in-law of the late Irene C. Lamarre, Estelle C. Bisson, Rita C. Lalime, Dorothy C. Shannon, and Cecile C. Thibodeau. Frank was also the favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews; and leaves behind many good friends of all ages. RICHARDS Francis J., Relatives and friends may call at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth St. from 2 until 6 P.M. on Sunday. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 A.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations in Frank's memory may be made to the D'Youville Foundation, P.O. Box 8828, Lowell, MA 01853. For condolences and directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com