Edward T. RICHARDS

FUNERAL HOME

Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg

3785 Strawberry Plains Rd.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Edward RICHARDS Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - Col. (USA-ret) Ed Richards died Sept. 24, 2010 from Esophageal Cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Margaret V. Richards.
Ed was born June 4, 1932, in Kingston, N.Y., and grew up in West New York, N.J. Married for 52 years to Patricia Sanford Cralle, he was blessed with four children, Karen Foley, Julie Yerks, Greg (Lisa) Richards and Laura (Jeff) van Leliveld; and 11 grandchildren. Ed is also survived by his brother, Tom (Kathy) Richards of Manahawkin, N.J.
He is a 1956 graduate of the United States Military Academy, in West Point, N.Y. He served as Commander of the 7th Special Forces Group (ABN) and retired with 30 years of service. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, three Bronze stars for Superior Service, Four Meritorious Service Medals, Combat Infantry badge and Senior Parachute wings. He was a member of the Airborne "Century Club" having completed more than 100 parachute jumps.
Following retirement, the family moved to Williamsburg, Va. He was a past president of the Williamsburg Community Hospital Auxiliary, an usher for St. Bede Catholic Church, and acted as the Ballot Box Control officer for local elections. He was a member of the Kingsmill Men's Golf Association and the Honorable and Ancient Order of Ballhawks. Ed was also a frequent usher for the Williamsburg Players and was also a member of the West Point Society of Williamsburg.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the wonderful and caring personnel at the Peninsular Cancer Institute, particularly Dr. Nancy McKinney and Nurse Elizabeth Carter, his "Guardian Angels." Additionally, thank you to LinE Russell-Murphy, RN, from Home Health & Hospice Sentara Home Care Services, whose help and support will never be forgotten.
A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg. Internment will follow the service at Williamsburg Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press from Sep. 28 to Sep. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward RICHARDS

4 Entries

Roy V. Hight

October 4, 2023

COL Richards was truly one of a kind. I will never forget his action at the time of a major inspection of the 7th Group by the Inspector General. He showed up for the introductory briefing decked out in his best golf outfit, and upon conclusion of the briefing, announced that he was leaving matters in the hands of his subordinates and that he was going to relax on the golf course.

I have never seen a more effortless and poised demonstration of pure leadership. (Every inspected area made the highest marks, by the way.)

On a personal note: On COL Richards' 100th jump, I had the honor of being his jumpmaster, and my signature is on the commemorative certificate.

COL Richards' example of leadership, guidance, and mentoring have impacted my life from the time I served under his leadership until today. God bless and keep you, Sir.

Clarence Holokai

September 29, 2010

Our prayers are with you and your family with the loss of Edward. May the Lord give you peace and comfort during your time of grief.

1944 school picture

catherine cass

September 29, 2010

To the Richards Family,
So sorry to read of Ed's passing, I will surely remember him in my prayers.....My name is Kay Reynolds Cass, Madison, NJ. Ed and I went to St. Joseph's School together, he was a good friend.......I dug up our school picture and thought I would send it to you. It really was an eon ago.....
Ed is the 4th on the left, bottom row.I am the 4th from the left in the top row.
Condolences.Kay Cass

William Halteman

September 28, 2010

Dearest Pat, Karen, Julie, Greg and Laura:
Kathy and I loved Ed and will forever cherish and long remember the many travel experiences and golf outings we shared over the past 18 years. Knowing each of you and meeting your children is a life experience that each of you shared with us and for this we will be forever grateful.
Ed gave a piece of himself to his family, his country, his community and those of us who were fortunate to be his friends.
His years of suffering are now over and we are sad that he is gone and we shall never again see his unique golf swing nor his delight at making a thirty foot putt.
Your husband and father lived life to its fullest and we, his friends, are all better people because we knew him.
Be strong!
Kathy and Bill Halteman

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