John Richards

1939 - 2024

John "Jack" Coolidge Richards Schenectady - John Coolidge Richards, known affectionately as "Jack," passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 22, 1939, in Schenectady, NY, Jack's life was characterized by his kindness, intelligence, and selfless devotion to his family, his profession, and his community.
Jack's formative years were spent in Schenectady, where he attended Elmer Avenue Elementary and Central Park Middle School, demonstrating early leadership as the President of Student Council and a key player on the two-year undefeated basketball team. His academic and athletic prowess continued at Nott Terrace High School, where he graduated with honors, served as Senior Class President, and excelled in football (co-captain), wrestling, and track.
Jack's thirst for knowledge and love of sports led him to Wesleyan University, where he earned a Liberal Arts degree with honors. As a New England Wrestling Champion in 1958 and a skilled lacrosse midfielder, Jack embodied the spirit of a true student-athlete. His pursuit of excellence continued at McGill University's Medical School, where he graduated with honors, dominated in wrestling, and played on an undefeated intramural basketball team.
Dr. Richards' medical career was as distinguished as his academic one. After completing his internship and general surgery training at Hartford Hospital, he served the United States Army for two years, including a year as a trauma surgeon in Vietnam. Jack had the unique gift of being able to always find the humor in any situation, and in typical Jack fashion, his stories from his time as a MASH unit doctor focused less on the harrowing experience and more on the unlikely comedy and camaraderie that he experienced during that time. Following his service, his orthopedic residency at Campbell Clinic and fellowship at Rancho Los Amigos honed his expertise. In 1974, he returned to Schenectady to join Schenectady Orthopedics, where he practiced until 2015, focusing on trauma and sports medicine. As Chief of Orthopedics at St. Clare's Hospital for 18 years, Jack, alongside Dr. Robert Cooley, introduced arthroscopic knee surgery to the area. His work was not just a job; it was a calling, as evidenced by his care for patients and the joy he found in working with his colleagues, especially Dr. Jack Spring, with whom he shared countless corny jokes. Jack was a master of the old school bedside manner, and was a beloved doctor and joke teller, legendary for his anecdotes as well as his lack of fashion sense. He was adept at replacing knees, but couldn't seem to ever find two matching socks. He was forever a man of the people, as humble as he was talented.
Jack's interests outside of medicine were as rich and varied as his professional life. A golfer who cherished playing with his wife, Carol, and a multitude of friends, Jack achieved the remarkable feat of "beating his age" by shooting an 83 at the age of 84. His voice resonated in harmony as a member of the Electric City Chorus for 48 years, singing barbershop and forming lifelong friendships. He liked to say that, through barbershop, he made "great friends and, occasionally, some good chords." Jack also sang with a quartet comprised of three of his best partners in crime, and they would routinely arrive unannounced at a backwoods bar or a VFW and regale the attendants with their barbershop comedy routine. Jack's commitment to his faith was evident in his many years as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Schenectady. Whether sailing on Galway Lake, kayaking, or enjoying his home on Pleasant Lake, Jack was always seen with a smile and a cup of coffee in hand.
Behind Jack's accomplishments was a family he adored. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol J. Richards, whom he married on January 11, 1997; his children, John "J.R." Richards (Alison), Christine Paterson (Jay), Thomas Richards (Hollie), Sheila Rae McRee (Peter Ford), and Andras "Drew" Janik; his grandchildren, Heather, Rael, Jack, Evelyn, Skyler, Gavin, Brodie, Mason, Eloise, and Mariska; and his great-grandson, Christopher. He is also survived by his sisters, Marge Backus (the late Gail) and Carol Sarasin (the late Jerry). In addition to his parents Gomer and Carlie (Coolidge) Richards, Jack was predeceased by his son, James "Jayme" McRee, and his brother, Gomer "Dick" Richards (surviving Ellie).
Jack's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ellis Hospital and Hospice for their compassionate care and support. And to Dr. Jack Spring and Tom D'Annunzio for their friendship and great humor, which he cherished.
Dr. John "Jack" Coolidge Richards lived a life marked by dedication, love, and laughter. He will be remembered as a pillar of his community, a healer of bodies and spirits, and, most importantly, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him. He was that rarest of people that had a boundless capacity for love and empathy. Jack's passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his indelible spirit will forever enrich the lives he touched.
A funeral service for Jack will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A calling period will be held prior from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will take place privately at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Glenville.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.