Northborough – John “Jack” W. Richards, 87, a 51-year resident of Northborough, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University campus after a brief illness. His beloved wife Joan (Collette) died in 2001.
He leaves behind his children, William Richards of Northborough, Carol Richards of Shrewsbury, Nancy Dragon of Berlin, Thomas Richards and his wife Robin of Shrewsbury, and Steven Richards and his wife Martha of Shrewsbury; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his sister, Marie Richards of Vermont; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Vernon Richards Jr.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all for his kind and gentle ways.
Born and raised in Rutland, Vt., John excelled as a district champion high school pole-vaulter in Vermont. An army veteran during the WWII era, he served overseas in Korea. He and Joan moved to Northborough in 1964 and raised their family on Mayflower Road.
He was a 35-year employee of General Motors in Framingham and worked as an incoming inspector. He retired in 1989. He was a U.A.W. member.
John loved watching Sunday games with his family. Other favorite pastimes were playing checkers and chess, including the Board Game Buddies Program at Proctor School. He loved vacationing and visiting Lake Champlain.
Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Proctor School Community Gift Account, 26 Jefferson Rd., Northborough, MA 01532.
For the online condolences and the guestbook, visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
