William L. Richards 84, of East Bridgewater died unexpectedly, Thursday February 9. He was the beloved husband of thirty-five years to Joann (McDermand) Richards.
Born in Weymouth and raised in Abington, he was the son of the late Horace and Mildred (Blaisdell) Richards, and a graduate of Abington High School. Bill furthered his education attending Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Bill had been a familiar face on the South Shore having working as a self-employed carpenter, and later, for many years, as the facilities manager for Evanswood Retirement Community of Kingston. Prior to his retirement in 2007, Bill had worked as the facilities manager for Bridgewater State College, and after retiring was called back, as a consultant for the college facilities.
He loved working with wood of all kinds, but he especially enjoyed the craft and challenge of making amazing and realistic models using wooden matchsticks. He also treasured his trips to the Fryeburg Fair in Maine and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife Joann, he is survived by his children Brian Richards of Abington and Cathy-Lynne Belair and her husband John of Falmouth, his stepson Scott Parsons and his wife Tara of Norwell and his sister Patricia Darcy of FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren William, Nicole, and Kenny, his great grandchildren Amelia and Charlie and his step-grandchildren Brendan, Nora and Maeve. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of twenty-seven years Barbara (Lewis) Richards, his brother Robert Richards and his sister Beverly Anne Richards.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visiting hours on Saturday February 18 from 2-4 PM with a service to follow at 4 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Memorial Fund @ the First Baptist Church of Abington, Box 25, Abington, MA 02351 or to Rosie’s Place, 889Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118.