David W. Richards, 57, of Stony Lane, Smithfield died Wednesday surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Mary E. (Quigley) Richards. They just celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary.
Born in Pawtucket, a son of Charlotte (Connors) Richards of Perkasie, PA and the late Raymond Richards. He had lived in Smithfield for 14 years, previously living in Rumford.
David was a Commander with the US Naval Reserve, having served during the Iraq War with the Medical Service Corps and retiring in 2007. He was a Clinical Lab Scientist with Kent County Hospital, retiring in 1999 to pursue his passion for teaching, and becoming a Science Teacher at Johnston High School until his retirement in 2009.
David enjoyed his life. He was foremost a family man; he loved to travel the world; he was an avid reader and knowledge-seeker, especially of history, and science. He loved teaching, constantly sharing knowledge with all who knew him; tutoring neighbors and relatives, always expressing his love for learning and the importance of education. A true New Englander, he was a fan of the New England Patriots and treasured his time spent at home with his family.
Besides his wife he leaves his daughters, Amy M. Richards of Smithfield and Holly E. Richards of Washington, DC, his siblings, Paula Richards, Christa Jutras and Pamela Bowden all of Perkasie, PA, Raymond Richards of Taunton, MA, Steven Richards of Warwick, Gregory Richards of Dayville,CT and Jeffrey Richards of Natic, MA. He was the brother of the late Peter Richards.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10am in St. Michael Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Burial with Military Honors will be in the RI Veteran’s Cemetery. Vistation Monday 4-8pm in the ANDERSON-WINFIELD Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to CCALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or Beacon Hospice,1 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, RI 02914.