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Andrew Richardson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Richardson
Donna Rose
July 23, 2014
Kate,
I learned only yesterday of Andy's death. Bill saw the notice in the Brown Alumnae Monthly.
I don't know if you still view this guest book, but Bill & I want to send our deepest sympathy to you and Rachael. It's very hard for me to understand and believe that he has passed away. I'm still grieving for Dickie.
Please pass on my condolences to John and Donny.
With great fondness,
Donna
Gloria Dahl
May 7, 2014
I was extremely saddened to hear of Andy's passing. I was out of the country and just found out today from Mark Sylvia. Many years ago as I was practicing in US Bankruptcy Court I called Andy for assistance as a new practitioner. When he willingly took my call I would say 'Thanks, Andy, for answering my hot line" and, of course, that 'Andy laugh' would surface. Despite his heavy caseload he always took my calls. I am just in shock he is no longer with us. My heart goes out to his entire family and his law partners. What a huge void. He truly taught all of us to lighten up and laugh. He was one of my favorite attorneys. Godspeed, Andy. Many will miss you.
David August
May 6, 2014
We met only a few times, but you could tell he was a decent man. Very few of his type. I can see why he was sort after. Sorry for your loss.
Erin Guptill
April 14, 2014
To the family and countless friends of Mr. Richardson,
My husband and I would like to offer our heart felt condolences. We were very fortunate to meet Andy as clients as we truly appreciated his no nonsense approach. Mostly, we enjoyed his fedora hat since he always wore it well! Honored to have known him.
Matt McGowan
April 13, 2014
Each time I looked at the four pictures of Andy in the memorial piece handed out at Friday's church services, I immediately heard in my mind his laugh once again. His laugh was full, and big and effusive, like Andy himself. It was a laugh that I recall, now with poignant fondness, surfacing often through the anxiety in even the most troublesome insolvency and distressed business cases that he handled.
I'd heard that laugh many times in the matters I had had with Andy over the years; and in a practice area where “bad news” is so prevalent, it was always welcomed as were his never-hard-to-find passions and emotions about a case or a legal point in our typically staid profession.
I recall a few years ago coming in as successor counsel to a client who had become quite a target in a contentious bankruptcy case through the position he had earlier staked out, and as I walked into court for the first hearing I would attend, Andy looked at me, and raising his arms and turning his palms up, put on an aghast “What” face, and said, “Tell me you're not going to be representing Mr. [Unpopular].” “Andy, I am going to be representing him,” I said. Andy shook his head in feigned disbelief, paused, and coming closer to me lowered his voice and said, slowly and dramatically, “You know he has no case. You do know that, right?” As I tried to offer up the few virtues of Mr. Unpopular, Andy stopped me and said “You can't be serious” (which was one of his favorite, and as you got to know him, best-loved phrases), and after a further pause and a long inhale and exhale, said, “Well … I guess you and I are just destined to be arguing with each other in every case we have.”
I only wish now that I would continue to have that opportunity, and I know many other lawyers share that sentiment.
Andy was very competitive. Twice when I played golf with him at bankruptcy law conferences, I had to jokingly question the “legality” of the size of his revered driver, which I told him looked like “a Volkswagen Beetle on a stick.” He got a great laugh out of that -- as he approached the tee, and unapologetically swung that club with serious purpose and gusto. And he was quite a “fencer” in his work. He'd often figure out your best argument and then, zeroing-in on it, preemptively try to undercut it or shake your confidence in it (“Well, I know you're smart enough not to waste your time arguing [your best argument]”), and if the Bankruptcy Code or decisional law wasn't on his side, he'd shift the debate, often passionately and effectively, in arguments before a court.
Over time I came to understand two things about Andy. First, that he truly enjoyed arguing. And second, that while his work was important and he felt an abiding obligation to his clients, there was some other and transcendent dimension to his life which I appreciated and saw on a professional level, as it showed through in knowing that, despite his passion and ambitions for his clients, certain ethical lines would not be crossed, arguments would not be made on a personal level nor taken personally, and that any animosity that was felt would be short-lived and known to have been easily forgotten – as soon as you heard his laugh.
My deepest heartfelt condolences and best wishes go to his wife and daughter, his brothers, other family members and to his many friends.
Sheryl Serreze
April 11, 2014
So sorry to hear the news about Andy. He was a fine attorney, honest man and good friend. He will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him. Sheryl Serreze
Kelly (Mrs David Hathaway
April 11, 2014
Although I have never met him I have always pictured him as a kind and thoughtful attorney who cared and worked in a caring manner. He was such an awesome man according to my husband who holds him in such high regard. I had hoped to meet him someday and hope to see him in the choir of heaven. I will pray and have been praying for his family and wife. If I can comfort,Kate and Rachael, please call me.
Terry Peck
April 11, 2014
Andy was a friend who was there for me.
Russell Raskin
April 11, 2014
The shock of Andy's passing has still not worn off. He was a lawyer's lawyer, a worthy adversary, a mentor, and truly capable of greatness. His legacy is the high bar he set for all of us for civility, intelligence, wit and sheer competence. May his family find peace and comfort in the lasting mark he has left in the legal profession, and the respect and affection we all had for him. He will not be forgotten,and will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace, Andy.
April 10, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Andy's family. I will miss Andy's presence in the Bankruptcy Court a great loss to all of us with memories that we will always treasure both in and out of the Courtroom. God bless.
Constant S. Poholek Jr. Esq.
Stacey and Rick Cunningham
April 10, 2014
Kate and Rachael, we are so very sorry for your loss, Andy,s smile will always be our memory of him. We pray you find solace in the joy of a life well lived and loving memories. God bless
Kate & Andy (at Sharon & Tom's wedding)
April 10, 2014
Sharon & Tom Quinn
April 10, 2014
To the whole family, our sadness is beyond comprehension for what you are dealing with. Andy was certainly one of the most intelligent people that we have ever known, but he was also one of the most compassionate. He was also really, truly funny. To say that “we will miss him” is an understatement. And we will do anything we can to help both the Richardson family and the BHRF family in any way that we can. Peppermint Andy will be deeply missed.
With much love & sympathy, Sharon & Tom
Sharon MacKenzie (daniels)
April 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chip Palmer
April 10, 2014
A straight shooter in his professional dealings, and a sense of humor to boot. A winning combination that will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to Andy's family and co-workers.
E Joseph
April 10, 2014
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
My condolence and prayers are with the family and the law firm.
Go USA-World Cup 2014!!!
April 10, 2014
Kate and Rachael, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that fond memories help to ease your pain. With love, Cindy Audette and the kids
April 10, 2014
My deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss. Andrew was a great attorney, but more importantly, he was a true gentleman and a very kind soul.
My prayers are with you all.
Dante Giammarco
Carl DeLuca
April 10, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was a great guy and it was always a pleasure to have a case with him or just to run into him. I will miss him. My condolences to the family.
Deborah Barbieri, former USBC RI Dep Clk
April 9, 2014
To Andy's family and law firm, please accept my sincerest condolences on Andy's untimely passing. His wit and intelligence were uncanny and I will be among the many that will miss him. RIP Andy and my prayers are with your personal and professional families.
JIm Stahl
April 9, 2014
Andy's joy in watching his daughter play soccer was such a delight to witness.
Niki DeCubellis Sprague
April 9, 2014
We were all so sorry to hear of Andy's sudden passing. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Jim's Dock. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts.
Edward Lawson
April 9, 2014
My sincere sympathies to Andy's professional and personal family. From my first case with him in 1983 to the present I always found Andy to be fair and willing to give my clients the benefit of the doubt.
Frank Gaschen
April 9, 2014
My deepest condolences. Andy was a competent, compassionate and collegial attorney of the highest order.
Patrice Moone
April 9, 2014
Loss always has a way of reminding us to live and love as greatly as we can. My prayers and strength to his family.
Michael Furtado
April 9, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was always pleasant and nice to me and to my clients, always prepared and was a true professional. I will miss him.
Joe Quinn
April 9, 2014
I was saddened to hear this news about Andy. I had a couple of matters with him over the years and always found him to be a true gentlemen. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Boyajian, Harrington, Richardson and Furness at Judge Votolato Courtroom Dedication Ceremony
April 9, 2014
All of us at the US Bankruptcy Court in Rhode Island are deeply saddened by the loss of Andy and offer our most sincere condolences. Andy was a true professional as a bankruptcy trustee and attorney and his presence at the court will be deeply missed.
Susan M. Thurston, Clerk of Court on behalf of Clerk's office and the Court
Neil Hartzell
April 9, 2014
my deepest condolences I worked with Andy on several matters and thought he was a true gentleman
Mary Leonard
April 9, 2014
May you receive comfort and healing during this most sensitive time in the loss of your loved one. Sincecre condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
Philip Eiker
April 9, 2014
A delightful friend and colleague. My most sincere condolences.
Dennis McCarten
April 9, 2014
Andy was a true gentleman in a corner of our profession where it is sometimes difficult to be so. I truly lament his loss.
April 9, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
The Law Firm of Gelfuso & Lachut
Bart McNally
April 9, 2014
Andy will be missed. People like Andy don't come along often. This is very sad.
Lori Petrone
April 9, 2014
I am out of town and just heard of this great loss that is heartbreaking. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. All of my prayers are with you.
Laurie McGuire
April 9, 2014
Rachel, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Our condolences, The Infectious Disease Staff
Dana Westerkamp
April 9, 2014
Your humor, wit and kind nature are already missed here at the office Andy, but most of all, your whistling. It's simple things like that which remind me to take a pause and breathe. But wait, I think I can hear you whistling from above! Must be playing golf with the Big Guy Andy :)
April 9, 2014
So sorry Kate and family for your sudden loss-will remember you all in my prayers-Sincerely Bianca Maiello
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