Donald Norman Richards

Our beloved Bompa, Michael Donald N. Richards, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025. His devoted wife of 58 years, Regina Gush Richards, was by his side during the final days of his long-fought battle with Parkinson's. Michael faced his battle with Parkinson's with courage and grace, never losing the warmth and humor that defined him.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Hilda Richards; his sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Charles Ryan; and his beloved wife's parents, Stanley and Virginia Gush. He leaves behind a family who adored him: his wife Regina; his children, Cathleen Richards of Horseheads, NY; Michaleen and John Lehman of Corning, NY; Mark and Joyce Richards of St. Augustine, FL; and Mathew and Sheila Richards of Shelby, NC. Michael's greatest joy was being "Bompa" to his cherished grandchildren; John and Shane Lehman; Cardin, Nori, and ConniAnn Richards; Collin, Caleb, Emily Richards, and Aiden and Ethan Melton.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Kevin O'Buckley; his cousin-in-law and wife, Dennis and Linda Murray; and treasured nephews and nieces: Tom Ryan, Tim Ryan, Amy Thompson, Kevin O'Buckley, Megan Fitgerald, Peter Foreman-Murray, Erin Foreman-Murray and Scott Foreman-Murray.
After graduating from Corning West HS in 1965, Michael attended Corning Community College (where he met Regina) and began his career in 1967 at Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post, where his dedication and expertise took him around the world. He retired from Dresser Rand after nearly 45 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity.
Outside of work, Michael's life was rich with family, friends, and simple pleasures. Whether cheering at swim meets, humming along at band and choir events, swooning at musicals, hunting in the hills, or enjoying Keuka Lake, Michael embraced every moment. Spring, Summer and Fall found him at the cottages at Pebble Beach or out on the family boat, the "Pour Richards", creating memories that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. After returning to South Corning, if you needed to find him, he was likely out driving his John Deere, mowing his meticulous manicured lawn with a "mini me" either in his lap or trailing behind him on their own John Deere. At Regina's "gentle request", he designed several gardens, including a display of family doors against trees, signifying portals to loved ones near and far. From a humble stump, he conjured "Gnomeland", a place for hidden treasures and many photos. Michael/ Dad/ Bompa always tried to fill our world with wonder. His life was a testament to love, loyalty, and laughter. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the stories shared, the traditions continued, and the lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Carpenter's Funeral Home, 14 E. Pulteney St., Corning, NY. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 3:00 pm, Pastor Kevin Austin officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the family plot at Hope Cemetery, Corning. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.