George W. Richardson
WWII Marine Corps Veteran
TEWKSBURY: George W. “Bill” Richardson, age 92, a resident of Tewksbury for over 50 years passed away on May 24, 2015.
He was the beloved husband of Rita M. (Healey) Richardson, who passed away on January 6, 2013.
Born in Everett, on July 12, 1922, a stepson to the late Howard Richardson and the son of the late George E. Richardson and the late Elizabeth M. (Lee) Richardson. He attended Everett schools; and was a graduate of Northeastern University majoring in Chemistry. He received a second degree in Business. He was employed briefly at Eastman Lacquer and then as a chemist and sales representative at Raffi and Swanson, in Wilmington, until he retired in 1987.
He was a member of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) from July 11, 1940 to December 21, 1940.
He was a WWII veteran joining the Marines in September 1942. He was attached to 2nd Division 6th Marines on Saipan, Tinian and the 1st Battalion 8th on Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.
Bill resided in Wilmington until moving to Tewksbury in 1961.
He is survived by three daughters; Judith A. Gollwitzer and her husband, William, of Venice, FL, Christine M. Campbell and her husband, Philip of Nashua, NH, and Karen L. Sharkey and her husband, James of Tewksbury, and seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was the oldest of 7 children; James L. Richardson of Revere, John S. Richardson of Rockton, IL, and the late Lawrence E. Richardson, Elizabeth Hurley, Joseph P. Richardson, and Jean Cella.
Bill served as president of the Wilmington Lions Club from 1964 to 1965. He earned a 1st degree black belt in Judo and opened the Wamesit Judo Club. He volunteered at the Tewksbury Hospital where both Bill and Rita assisted patients at Sunday Mass. He was an avid golfer and skier, skiing in both Italy and Switzerland. For years he could be seen hiking Tuckerman’s Ravine in the spring and skiing down.
Calling hours are Wednesday, May 27, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Thursday, May 28, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “The VetsRoll, Inc”., www.vetsroll.org, 1777 Gardner Street, So. Beloit, IL 61080.