John Kelly Richardson

John Kelly Richardson was born on March 24, 1965, in Denver, Colorado, and passed away February 20, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Richardson, and his birth father, John Stafford II. He is survived by his father, Thomas Richardson; Leslie Richardson, mother of his children; his children Macbeth, Riyan, and Alison; his sister, Corrie Martinez; and his nieces and nephews Zachary (Charlene) Wich, Mateo Martinez, and Teanna Martinez.

John spent his childhood in California, Louisiana, Florida, and Hawaii before his family eventually settled in Denver near his grandparents. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, he attended gemology school and began what would become a lifelong career as a goldsmith. For more than 40 years, John was highly regarded in the Denver jewelry community for his craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication to his work. His legacy lives on in the thousands of pieces he designed and made.

He loved science fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars, a passion he shared with his mother. John was known for his Hawaiian shirts and at Colorado Rockies games, his long purple beard - a signature that made him instantly recognizable and brought smiles to those around him.

John was smart, funny, and charismatic. He was loved deeply and will be missed by all who knew him.

Please join John's Celebration of Life - an informal, come as you are event

In John's honor, we invite guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, just as he loved to do. Bright, bold, or quietly tropical - anything that carries a bit of his easy going spirit.

If you would like to share a memory, a photo, or a few words, there will be space for that during the event.

March 24, 2026

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Old Chicago Restaurant

3550 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Lakewood, CO 80235