William RICHARDS

RICHARDS - William
Aged 69. Passed away July 26th, 2023, after a brief illness. Bill was raised in Wilson, NY before moving to Williamsville. He started working at the age of 15, cleaning restaurants and moving heavy equipment for a local business. Soon he was repairing, then eventually driving semi-trucks nationwide. Bill met the love of his life, Linda Kleinfelder while they both worked for Transcontinent Record Sales, the distributor for Record Theatre, where he was a fleet manager and delivery driver. They went on to have two children, Adam (Katheryn) and Carrie. Linda supported his ambitious endeavors and multiple personal and career accomplishments over the years. Eventually, Bill moved into the sales side of the automotive industry, climbing his way to director of operations for a major trucking supply distributor. With decades of experience in the transportation industry, he evolved his focus into fuel additives and cleaners. After working for and leading many companies, he founded Energy Technology Group. He took this business from a small endeavor to a successful enterprise, working with industry leaders and has provided products and support to a broad range of markets in over 40 countries around the world. Bill developed over 370 chemical formulations as well as several mechanical devices and held multiple patents. Bill prided himself on providing education and training. He had a unique ability to take difficult subjects and highly complex information and present it in an interesting and readily understandable way to audiences at any level. He was an avid problem solver, had a thirst for knowledge and devoured information about chemistry, history, industry, and the environment. He spent his career working to advance fuel efficiency and practical usage of all manner of fuel-based engines. These qualities and decades of experience have contributed to the success of his business. Bill's work legacy lives on as he operated a multigenerational family business and always treated every employee like kin. Bill's life was marked by the unconditional love he had for his family. He was a pillar of strength, always there to support and guide his loved ones through life's ups and downs. He dedicated his life to family and work. He cared so deeply for the people around him and will be forever missed. He was kind, passionate, funny and made a profound impact on many lives. Along with his beloved wife and children, Bill was an amazing grandfather of Stella, Miles and Margot, dear brother to Steve (Cindy) Richards, Dan (Lori) Richards, Sharon (Ken) Dobson, and Roxanne (Paul) Dudish, brother-in-law to Cheryl (Nick) Powers and a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. Please join our family in celebrating Bill's life on Thursday August 10th, 2023 at Shores Waterfront Restaurant and Marina, 2 Detroit St. in Tonawanda, NY from 11am to 2 pm. Come with a story to tell or just spend some time with us, helping to honor Bill and all that he has accomplished among the family he loved so much. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Arrangements by The DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME, Amherst, NY. Online condolences may be made at
www.THEDIETRICHFUNERALHOME.com