Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Vernon Richard Obituary
Vernon Richard, his wife, Dorothy, recalled, "loved anything that had to do with roller coasters." His daughter, Vernessa, a college student, recalled the same thing.
"When I'd come home for the summer, we'd go to Great Adventure," Vernessa Richard said, "and he'd look up at the roller coaster and go 'Wow! Let's go on that!' The excitement on his face!"
Lieutenant Richard, 53, was a 24-year veteran of the Fire Department. A member of Ladder Company 7 in Manhattan, he was to have been promoted to captain in November, an elevation that occurred posthumously. A weight lifter and jogger (he ran six New York City Marathons), he sang in the choir at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley, N.Y., near his home in Nanuet. His voice , a deep baritone, was memorable.
"When I played high school ball, and there were maybe 500 people in the stands, I'd hear nothing but his voice," said his son, Vernon II. "He'd be saying, 'Go to work, Vernon.'"
43 Entries
September 11, 2023
Vernon you are never forgotten. Today we celebrate and honor your life, your courage, your service, and your sacrifice. May the Lord surround your family and friends with peace and comfort. Rest in peace
Melody Michael
September 12, 2017
In the town I live in Middle Tn there is a craze going around where people paint and hide ricks. A group of people painted a rock for each victim of the 9/11 and placed them at our 9/11 memorial and Firefighter's Memorial. The idea is that you pick a rock and learn about the name on it. That you say a prayer for their family and help keep their memory alive in a sea of names. I took my boys to the firefighter's memorial today to each pick a rock. My oldest picked your neame. Thank you for your sacrifice on that day. My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. I will think of you and pray every year.
Elicia (Gourdine) Brown
September 13, 2015
A childhood friend growing up together in Brooklyn, we all mourn you however celebrate your heroism. R.I.P. our friend and condolences to your family.
Christyna Conway
September 11, 2014
God bless you and your family. Today I'm wearing your name on my uniform shirt at school in remembrance of you and what a hero you were. Thank you.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
In Memory Of :-)
Sonia
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you today Mr. Vernon Richard- I attended a memorial in El Paso Texas on the one year anniversary and of the many that attended I was lucky and honored to have received a ribbon with Mr. Richard's name on it. Still have it to this day - my condolences. Vernon Richard and his family along with everyone affected will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Robyn Wolfe
September 14, 2011
I was at the Memorial today and took a picture of Mr. Richard's name with the rose. I was so moved. I found this website and wanted you to know that my prayers and condolences go out to Mr. Richard's family. Please know that others care and that you will also be in my thoughts. May God bless you richly.
Frances
September 11, 2011
This is a very late condolence.
Vernon ran past our house all the time. My husband who has since passed on, thought that he may have been one of the 9/11 heroes when we didn't see him running, but we weren't sure. We only knew him as Vernon - what a nice guy. God Bless you and your family.
Anthony Ewing
November 27, 2007
You can tell what type of poeple by their heart and you and inspiration.You sister talk about you.Now I understand how you earned the name Gentle Giant.Why I put my heart into this brushes to dedicated a mural in your your name.My prays will alway be with the family.You're among friends in the Kingdom of heaven.we'll see you one day
November 15, 2007
Mahlik Richard
September 11, 2007
I miss you very much Uncle Vernon, you have truly been an inspiration to my life
September 7, 2007
Thinking of you Vernon..
God Bless you and your family. It's been awhile since I've seen them, but keep them in my prayers and thoughts. Protect them from above...Give George a hug for me!!
Nancy Nee
sister of FF George Cain..ladder 7
kristine
April 17, 2007
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 15, 2007
In memory....
Natalie Osborne
September 12, 2006
My thoughts are with you on this anniversary.
Nicole
September 11, 2005
Thinking of your family on this day...
Lema (Henley) Adams
October 7, 2003
To Mrs. Richard, Vernon II and Vanessa,
I remember a loving husband and father who attended church with his family. I can only imagine the great loss that your family must still feel. I hope and pray that you will find peace and know that he will always live as long as his memory is in the hearts of many. May God keep you and the rest of your family safe in his loving arms.
Lema (Henley) Adams
October 7, 2003
To Mrs. Richards, Vernon II and Vanessa,
I remember a loving husband and father who attended church with his family. I can only imagine the great loss that your family must still feel. I hope and pray that you will find peace and know that he will always live as long as his memory is in the hearts of many. May God keep you and the rest of your family safe in his loving arms.
Terry Cutshall
September 21, 2003
To the Richard Family,
It is hard to believe that it has been over 2 years since the Sept.11 tragedy that took Vernon from your lives. I wear a Mercy Band with Mr. Richard's name that I received in Dec. of 2001. I don't go anywhere without it. I look at it often and especially whenever I think my day or life is going badly and remember that my pains and problems are nothing compared to what has happened to your family. I wish I had known Vernon and could have had a chance to ride a roller coaster or two with him.
Zoe Rosenthal
September 11, 2003
to The Richard Family:
The story of Vernon's life is truly and inspiring one. I was not so privledged as to have be able to meet such an honorable man, but reading of him I came to learn that he was a wonderful man and indeed, a "gentle giant". My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones and family.
Rebecca Clapp
September 11, 2003
To the Richard Family,
I had the honor to work with Gary Mattingly, Vernon's Cousin, during the events of September 2001 and the following year. During the two years since Vernon's death I have learned what a wonderful man he was and I can honestly say that Vernon was the best man I wish I had known. Everyone I meet who knew him has only the happiest memories of his smile and his laugh. I continue to ask that his family find peace, love and comfort in the wake of his loss. But I know that I feel much better knowing that Vernon is up in heaven watching out from me. Thank you to his wife and his children for sharing his memory with a young woman hundreds of miles away who needed an angel.
Max L
September 10, 2003
The world will surely be less interesting without Vernon Richard. Coming a fellow daredevil-extraordinaire, I believe Vernon's message to us all would most certainly be, "We've gotta maintain!" I suggest we follow his adice. To his friends and family, i offer my deepest sympathies and regard. Best of wishes.
David Flynn
September 10, 2003
Dear Richard Family,
I didnt know Vernon personally but after reading about him it sounds as if he's a big lose to everyone that knew him. He sounded brave and couragious but also a family man and an asset to his community. He seemed out spoken and im sorry for your lose. My deepest condolences to the Richard family and whoever knew him.
Christina C
September 10, 2003
I'm extremely sorry family and friends suffered the loss of this courageous man. The loved ones of the deceased are in the prayers of many. But his life was not taken in vain. He left this world as a hero and looks down lovingly on all who hold him dear. Vernon Richard continues to know that you'll love him forever and always.
Rhasheda Muhammad-Lawery
October 8, 2002
Dear, Uncle Vernon, Aunt Dot, Little Vernon and Vanessa,
Over a year later, and it still feels like yesterday that we lost Uncle Vernon. I miss him a lot but I know he is in a better place. At peace. I also know that Mommy is taking really good care of him. You guys know that I'm here for you in any way, shape, or form. May God bless us all.
Rhasheda, Quinn, and Quinn Jr.
Carol Henry
September 26, 2002
Sept. 11th I was running for my life and God spared me. I praise God for that. I also want to praise Vernon for giving his life to spare so many others. I knew Vernon and I know his wonderful wife Dorothy and his son and daughter. In some ways we are family, but more important, Vernon is my hero and may he rest in peace.
Polly Nelson
September 12, 2002
Yesterday I wore a wrist band with Vernon's name inscribed upon it, in memory of him and his heroism. I received it at a prayer vigil that I attended, prior to going to work for the day. I was very pleased that as I took the wrist band at random, which was among hundreds in a basket, that I was able to honor a New York firefighter. My prayers were with Vernon and his family for the rest of the day. At day's end, I explained the wrist band to my two young sons, and told the story of how Vernon died saving the lives of others. I pray that they will grow up to be as brave and strong as Vernon was on September 11, 2001.
Ricardo Etienne
September 11, 2002
To Vernessa and family:
I remember last year when this whole thing happened, I was down here in Virginia for school. All I could think about throughout the day was if i know anyone who may have been in that area on that day. It never dawned on me that Mr. Richard was a firemen. And by the time I found out, his memorial service had already past. Although I wasn't there to offer you my support and prayers, you have them now and always will. Mr. Richard is now and forever will be one of our great american heros. And I thank him for his sacrifice. May god bless you all.
I'm here whenever you need me Nessa!
-Ricardo
Maureen Smith
June 5, 2002
Thank you to all those brave souls that day, may god keep you under his wing for always and ever.
Nettie Maguire
May 31, 2002
I've always admired Gary Mattingly, co-host on WCJB TV 20, our local television station. The night of 9/11, he presented the 6:00 news, as we all sat in daze, not believing the events of the day. At the end of the broadcast he showed how very human he was, when he choked back tears to tell our community that his cousin Vernon Richard was one of the missing firefighters at the World Trade Center. His co-host picked up where he left off, but, she, too had to fight to keep her composure. It was one of the most touching moments I have ever witnessed. I pray for him and his family, for Dot and her family in NYC. You are truly remarkable people, who I am proud to know. God bless you all. God bless Ladder 7 and all those who have continued to live through this very tragic time in American history. Vernon, we will take care of you and yours...I wish you could have lived to see your beautiful granddaughter, Leila. I wish I could have known you...N
Winnie O.
May 26, 2002
To the Richard Family,
May God continue to heal and give you strenght. We met at the Rockland
Sept 11 Victim Assistant Center.
God Blessings
Gary Mattingly
May 16, 2002
Dear Vernon and Dot:
I hope that you can read this in heaven. I remember the time of our last family reunion of sorts in Jacksonville Florida and the time that we all spent together at Disney. I personally know your love for roller coasters and the good times we had growing up together.
I miss you very much cuz...but have some comfort in knowing that you are now in heaven. I love you.
Gary
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Michael Santos
May 9, 2002
I hope you find a better life .
Crista
April 11, 2002
Dear Vernon Richard's family,
September 11th changed my life, and I know that it changed your life even more than it did mine. I know that because you lost a relative on that terrible day.
My name is Crista and on my wrist is a Mercy B.A.N.D. bracelet that has Vernon Richard's name engraved in it. I have found out a lot about him, and I think that it would be
very hard to lose him.
My teacher was one of five finalists for Nebraska Teacher of the Year so she got $1,000 to spend on things for the classroom. She decided to get a camera and 28 Mercy
B.A.N.D. bracelets for all the fourth graders at my school.
If you want to e-mail me, this is my teacher's e-mail address: [email protected]
Thinking of you,
Crista B.
Anonymous
April 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..VERNON RICHARD AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY YOU SING IN THE CHOIR OF ANGELS..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Gerry M
March 29, 2002
To the Richard family,
I have had the priviledge of having known Vernon for well over 15 years. I knew he was with the FDNY but that wasn't how I knew him.
In the days following the attack I watched for Vernon's name in the list of the missing and was relieved to see it wasn't there. It seems I didn't know Vernon as well as I thought. I thought his last name was Richards.
When a friend asked if I had heard about Vernon, I knew immediately what he meant. I was crushed to hear of your loss. It was also a loss to many.
I was sorry I had to be out of town the day of his memorial.
There was an article in the Daily News about how Vernon had held a man stabbed through the heart. And the last words the man heard, were Vernon saying, "Hang in there guy". I have heard Vernon use the exact same phrase many times to encourage others going through a rough time.
Many times after someone is gone you hear what a wonderful person they were. The man I knew was truly a wonderful human being. Vernon often went the extra mile.
I'm sure Vernon is looking down on you with a big grin saying "Hang in there".
Gerry M
Virgilio Hartman
March 10, 2002
To Vernon and all of the firefighters from the 29th street house. You guys are the greatest.
I had the pleasure of meeting Vernon and several of the men when I was assigned to pick up the the garbage there. (I am an employee of NYC Sanitation)
They were always nice, offering water, food, etc.
God bless Vernon, all of NYCs' Bravest, and their families during this time.
Patricia Cubas-Bielfeld
February 24, 2002
Dear Mrs. Richard,
I knew Vern from the neighborhood. He trained my former husband Peter Bielfeld. Peter is now in heaven with all of the other firemen and civilians who were chosen to be with the Lord. Back in May the Club lock I had on my car was stuck. I went to the firehouse asked the guys to give me a hand. Vern came along with six other heros to saw the lock off. He asked me where should he send the bill. I told him to send it to my husbands firehouse. He had a very strong presence in that firehouse and he was very well respected and loved by his peers. When I walk by the firehouse I think of my husband Peter and all of the other fireman who were called home.
May God bless you and give you the strength you need to survive.
Patricia
Renee Baldwin
January 29, 2002
To the Richard Family:
I lost my sister, Cecelia, at the Pentagon. She was married and had the last name "Richard". I feel I'm a part of your family now and hope to one day meet. God loved them and He needed them both because they were the best. I feel better knowing that she's in good hands, not only with God but with Vernon. I know that they will take care of each other. May God Bless Us All. (Sister of Cecelia)
Dave Rodriguez
January 19, 2002
The members of the Dennis & Yarmouth Fire Depts on Cape Cod, are honored to have raised funds for your family & others from 7 Truck in NYC! Rest in Peace!!!!! You are our Hero!!!!!!! Dave R. Capr. Dennis Fire
Kathleen
December 31, 2001
I was honored and priviledged to know Vernon. He is truly a man of honor and dignity. His wonderful spirit and enthusiasm for life and people will never, ever be forgotten. He is and always was a true hero.
My love to Vernon's wife, children and grandchildren.
Teresa Jahn
December 15, 2001
We thank Captain Vernon for dedicating his life to help others. Such dedication proves that he had a very warm and caring heart and we thank him for sharing it with others for so many years. We are extremely sorry for your loss of Vernon. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 4, 2001
Heaven's gates opened and brought you home on September 11, 2001. Every firefighter who perished on that tragic day is a hero! My deepest sympathy goes out to your family, friends and comrades of Ladder 7. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in Vernon Richard's name
How to support Vernon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vernon Richard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored