Philip Charles Richards

1936 - 2024

Philip Charles Richards
Philip Charles Richards died peacefully at home after an extended illness.
Born February 4, 1936 in Los Angeles, CA to Ida D. and Philip H. Richards. Philip moved east to attend college at Yale, where he studied electrical engineering. He graduated in 1957 and remained a steadfast and supportive alumni. He joined Bell Labs shortly after college, received his Masters in Electrical Engineering from NYU, and went on to have a long career in telecommunications, moving from New Jersey to Illinois in 1966 and then ultimately landing in Wilton, Connecticut in 1974.
Phil's passion, after his family, was music, as a long time Barbershop Harmony Society member, quartet singer, and church choir singer, if he wasn't at work, he was singing or supporting organizations like Yale's Music in Schools initiative to promote expanding music education for every student in public schools, K-12 across the country. Phil was a member of the Westchester Chordsmen (previously the Golden Chordsmen) of Westchester, NY since 1981 and in 2003, Phil was inducted into the Westchester Chordsmen's Hall of Honor. Barbershop singing has taken him to England, China, Russia, Italy, as well as most of the United States.
Philip was an active member of the Wilton community. He served on the boards of Wilton Arts Council, Wilton Kiwanis, and Friends of Ambler Farm. As well, he worked with Wilton CERT, the Wilton Library, and supported other local organizations in and around Fairfield County, including running a handful of websites for some organizations.
In 2009, knowing that they were planning to grow old in their home, Phil and Anne saw a need in Wilton to support seniors with similar desires. Phil and Anne founded Stay at Home in Wilton, a non-profit organization to support seniors with services and resources, along with social and educational programs to allow seniors to remain independent, active, and connected.
Philip is survived by his wife Anne and his sons Charles Joseph and his wife Kathleen, William Scott, and Philip Todd and his wife Katrina; and his grandchildren Ryan, Dylan, Megan, and Abigail. Philip was predeceased by his older sister, Margaret Richards Bowers.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 2, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A memorial service will be celebrated on Sunday, August 18th at 2 p.m. at the Wilton Presbyterian Church, 48 New Canaan Road, CT.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Stay at Home in Wilton (https://stayathomeinwilton.org/donate/)
RVNA Hospice (https://rvnahealth.org/)
A local music or arts charity in your community