Joseph A. Richards, 82, of Greenville, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2015, in the most capable and loving care of the Greenville Memorial Neuro ICU team, and surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Franklin Richards; his children, Stephen Michael Richards, and Nancy Joanne Stone; his three grandchildren, Alison, Hannah, and Joey; and his great-grandson, Beau.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Blanche Delaire; and his siblings, Lorraine Avila, and Florence Call.

Joe was a loving father, husband, and pop-pop to his three grandchildren – whom he absolutely adored.

He was a hard worker all of his life – often working two jobs so his kids could attend good schools and have a Christian education.

As an adopted child from Warren, Rhode Island; Joe always had a soft spot in his heart for young kids. He served many kids and teens through the Blessed Sacrament Youth Group in Alexandria, Virginia, where he lived for 40 years.

He also realized a lifelong dream of teaching elementary school during his retirement – which gave him great joy.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Palmetto Mortuary.

Affiliations

US Navy