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Thomas Richards Obituary

Richards, Thomas E.

Age 68, was born May 1, 1947 in Elmira, NY the son of the late Thomas Irving and Dorothy Ann (Warner) Richards. Tom went home to be with the Lord, while holding the hand of his beloved Myrle, on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, Myrle (Conrad) Richards; son, Gary Kevin Richards; grandson, Dameon; brother, David Richards, sister, Janet Frost (Tom); along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews, many other relatives and a host of friends. His second love was a pug named "Buddy". Tom was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp and proudly served his country during the Viet Nam War. He retired from IBM in Endicott, NY as an engineer after 25 years of dedicated service, then went on to retire with 9 years from Winchester Optical in Elmira. Tom was a diehard NASCAR fan with Dale, Jr. being his favorite driver. He was also a big time Buffalo Bills fan. Tom was a "Iaker", boating and living on Seneca Lake. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services honoring Tom's life will follow the visitation at 7 pm. His cousin Johnny will officiate. Interment will take place at the Bath National Cemetery in Bath, NY. Memorial donations may be directed to Strong Memorial Hospital Neuromedicine ICU, Box # 619-812, 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642. Tom's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com

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

Published by Star-Gazette from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Richards

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Robert & Kathy Ervay

February 19, 2022

We remember the good times at the lake and at their house.

Bob & Kathy Ervay

February 21, 2021

We always thought of Tom as a good husband, step father, grandparent, hard worker, carpenter, builder, boater, customer, Friend, and so much more.

Richard Ellwanger

February 19, 2021

I truly love looking back on our years at Camp Airy with Tommy. Especially when we all were Scuba diving and Tommy was always last at getting to the boat so we all could head out. Many great times were had way back in the seventies, really miss those days!

March 1, 2016

Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 will bring you comfort.
Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Ken and Marlene Douglas

February 29, 2016

Sincere sympathy for your loss

February 28, 2016

So many good memories at the Marina, boating, Showboat, and your lovely home. We just received the news today. We are so sorry and sorry we weren't at the services. Bob and Kathy Ervay

Suzie Carson

February 28, 2016

Myrle, Janet & Family - so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have many fond memories of Keuka Lake with the family. Thoughts and prayers with you all.

Janet Kester

February 27, 2016

Dave and I were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We will miss him at the lake. Blessings to you, Myrle, and to the family, too.

Michelle Millard

February 27, 2016

Merle and Dameon
You are in our hearts and thought on this day. We are so sorry for your loss.
Rick,Missy and Ty Millard

Cathy Soper

February 26, 2016

So sorry for your loss I will always remember him from Camp Arey

Rick & Pat Ellwanger

February 26, 2016

Myrle, David and Janet,
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, we had many years of good times at Camp Arey together we will miss YOU Tommy.....CRIMIES!
Love and Prayers, Rick & Pat Ellwanger

Jack & Cheryl Zufall

February 26, 2016

Myrle, our hearts are breaking. Gonna miss that big guy so much along with all of the shenanigans the four of us had together. Praying that God holds you in his hands over these difficult days ahead. Sending Love, Jack and Cheryl

Mary Ellen Miller

February 25, 2016

Janet and family I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. Mary Ellen Miller

Sandy Brugler

February 25, 2016

Myrlie and Gary: I was sorry to hear this sad news and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Joyce Packer

February 25, 2016

Myrtle and family,
Please know that you are in our prayers at this difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort.

February 25, 2016

We loved him so much, what a gift to be called family! I'm sad and heaven is rejoicing. The Klassa girls

Diane and Peter Wright

February 25, 2016

Myrle, David and Janet and families- we were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this time. Heaven has a new angel.

Karen & Tony Luttrell

February 25, 2016

Myrle,
Tom touched so many lives for the good! Tony and I are so grateful we had the chance to know Tom not only as a "Laker" but as a cherished friend. May all those beautiful yesterdays always remain in your heart....they will ours!

Carl Zufall

February 25, 2016

So sorry to hear about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Carl and Nancy Zufall

Anthony Luttrell

February 25, 2016

Very sad today, the world lost one of the good guy's. So many good memories of hanging out with Tom and Merle at the marina on Seneca Lake. Rest in peace.

Guthrie Corning

February 25, 2016

Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Hugh & Vivian Webster

February 25, 2016

You have always been an important part of our family. We will miss you very much.

Ann Webster

February 25, 2016

You will be greatly missed.

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