William F. Richards

RICHARDS, WILLIAM, F., 76, of Harvey Ave., Riverside, died unexpectedly on October 10, 2008. He was the beloved husband of Joan A. (Richardson) Richards.

Born in Riverside, a son of the late Charles H. and Estelle (Lyons) Richards, he was a lifelong resident of Riverside.

Mr. Richards was an asbestos technician for Local #6 for 25 years before retiring in 1979. He also was a senior maintenance technician for the Blackstone Valley District Commission for 15 years before retiring in 1993.

William was a communicant of St. Brendan Church. He was a Life member and Past Commander of the American Veteran's Post #18. He also was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veteran's Association.

Mr. Richards was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps serving during the Korean Conflict, where he was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

William was a member of the Firefly Country Club, where he achieved five holes in one during his golfing career.

Besides his wife of 45 years, he is survived by two daughters; Joan A. Brennan and her husband Joseph of Providence and Cheryl A. Hartley and her husband David of North Smithfield, a sister; Estelle A. Burton of Riverside and five grandchildren; Courtney, Nichole and Danielle Brennan and Ryan and Ian Hartley. He was the father of the late Denise Richards and brother of the late Linwood, Thomas and Charles H. Richards Jr.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 7:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 9 am. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Little Neck Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday 4-8 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in William's memory to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 3004, Warwick, RI, 02886 would be deeply appreciated.