Alfred “Dick” Merrick Richardson of Sheffield, Mass died on October 1, 2015. Loving husband of 64 years to Doris Richardson, nee VanBenschoten, Dick is survived by his children, Norman Richardson and wife, Daphne, of Newton, Mass; Dale Richardson Ryder and husband Don, of Carlisle, Mass; and Barbara Richardson Kelly of Great Barrington, Mass.
Dick graduated from Colgate University in 1946 after having served for three years in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. For more than twenty years, Dick lived with his family in Roxbury, Connecticut where he worked as a mortgage officer in banking and in real estate. Very active in town affairs, Dick was a member of the Roxbury Congregational Church, Town Treasurer and Volunteer Fireman. An Eagle Scout himself, Dick was a Boy Scout Leader and proud parent when Norm was awarded the Eagle Scout in 1973. Dick was active in the Roxbury school system serving on the PTA, the Roxbury Scholarship Fund and the Regional School Study Committee.
After retiring to Sheffield in 1982, Dick served as Trustee at the Bushnell-Sage Library while he and Doris cared for their aging parents. He pursued a lifelong love of nature, literature, and classical music. He and Doris spent many happy years visiting local art museums and inns.
Besides Doris and his children, Dick is survived by his beloved grandchildren; Dwight Richardson Kelly, Peter and Lindsay Ryder, Wesley Richardson and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his sister, Anne Jones.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 16 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Richardson home at 74 Main Street, Sheffield, Mass.
A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17 at Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Amenia, New York followed at 11 a.m. by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smithfield Church and to Operation Homefront, an organization that supports returning veterans and Wounded Warriors c/o FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family or sign the guestbook please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
