Charles Richardson Obituary

Dr. Charles O. Richardson, 82, Lawrenceville, N.J., died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton.

Born in Reading, Pa., he was a Lawrenceville resident for most of his life.

Dr. Richardson was a graduate of the Lawrenceville School. He received his undergraduate degree from Lafayette College in 1951, his master's in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania in 1955, and his Ph.D. in modern European history/modern Middle East from Georgetown University in 1963.

He was a history professor at Rider University since 1967. After his retirement, with the title of Professor Emeritus, he continued teaching as an adjunct professor through May of this year.

After college, he worked overseas for two years for an American firm in Turkey. Before his long career at Rider, he also taught history at Albright College, Reading, and Rutgers University, Camden.

Dr. Richardson was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, serving both as Deacon and Elder. He was an active committee member of Eden Autism Services. He was also a member and past president of the American Association of University Professors.

A son of the late William E. Richardson, a former U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania, and Mary (Potts) Richardson, Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy (Greninger) Richardson; children, Polly and Geoffrey Curtis Richardson; brother and sister-in-law, William F. and Emily Richardson; sister, Dorothea Thorne; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Polly (Richardson) Lukens; and his brother-in-law, Melvyn C. Thorne.

A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 18, at 11:30 a.m. at The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main Street, Lawrenceville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dr. Richardson's name to Eden Autism Services, Endowment Fund for Adults, 1 Eden Way, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Arrangements are under the directions of Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, Lawrenceville. www.poul-sonvanhise.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Reading Eagle on Dec. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Richardson

8 Entries

Chris Bond

April 1, 2011

I am so disheartened to learn of Dr. Richardson's passing. He was a very influential professor who taught me to appreciate the personal nature of history in our lives. To learn from history we must first learn to embrace our own humanity and begin our journey toward understanding from there. This is what Professor Richardson, the gentleman and scholar, taught me to appreciate. You will be missed, but your impact lives on in the lives of your students, children and loved ones.

Jacqueline Jarema

March 31, 2011

"Dr. Richardson was so instrumental in inspiring me, mentoring me and helping shape the woman I am today. He always had gatherings at his home with his wife to foster good conversation, laughter and a matching of the wits with fellow colleagues and students. He will be missed. I pray for his soul and his family and I shall forever cherish my memories of and conversations with Dr. Richardson." ~ Jacqueline Jarema

Pat & Milt Grannatt

December 8, 2010

In loving memory of a Charlie. We will miss him. Our prayers go out to your family.

BOB SINNER

December 7, 2010

Dr. Charles (Charlie) Richardson: A true “Man for All Seasons.”
I have only been privileged to know Charlie for about two years. But, during that time, I came to know and love him. I am proud to number myself among his large circle of friends. What comes to mind? Witty, earnest, honest; an extremely intelligent “gentle,” though adamantly ethical, steadfast man.
Charlie was always thinking, questioning, teaching, wherever he might be: in the classroom, at a church meeting, talking with friends and colleagues, and especially when fighting for others’ rights.
I feel Charlie epitomized the “true teacher,” as set forth by Robert Bolt in “A Man For All Seasons.” Bolt’s Thomas More is trying to convince an eager young scholar to teach rather than go into politics:
Thomas More: Why not be a teacher? You'd be a fine teacher. Perhaps even a great one.
Richard Rich. And if I was, who would know it?
More. You, your pupils, your friends, God. Not a bad public, that . . .
Charlie WAS a Teacher, in every sense of the word. I wish that I had had more time to learn from him. Also, like Thomas More, Charlie lived what he taught.
I miss you greatly Charlie, though I know you are in a better place.
We here are the poorer.
Be at Peace. Agape,

December 7, 2010

Dr Charlie Richardson will be missed by many- and by Eden Parents.We wish peace .GOD bless Charlie and his family....

Antonio and irmina leon. North Bergen NJ

Melissa Harbaugh

December 7, 2010

Dr. Richardson was one of the few teachers that made me care about History. He was such a kind and gentle man. He was also very funny! I initially sat in the back of his class until I realized how funny he was if you really paid attention. He was such a great example of what human beings should be. He will be very missed by many!

Sandi Sersen

December 6, 2010

I will miss Charlie. He was one ot the most kind and gentle people I have ever known.

Peter Gerhardt

December 3, 2010

I will always remember Charlie Richardson as not only a loving husband and father but as one of the funniest people i have known. The best part of Charlie's humor was how dry it was. If you weren't paying attention some of his wittiest observations would fly right by, unnoticed. He will be missed by many. I wish peace and comfort to his family and friends at this time.

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