Loving Father and Husband, Hardworking businessman
Ralph T. Richardson, 60 of Tyngsborough, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Jody (O'Brien) Richardson with whom he shared the last 30 years of marriage.
He was born on January 6, 1964, in Lowell, the son of the late Thomas and Mary (O’Brien) Richardson. Raised in Lowell, he attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and later graduated from Lowell High School with the Class of 1982. After high school, he earned a certificate in computers and began his career at Raytheon, where he had the opportunity to relocate to England for eighteen months before returning to Lowell. He briefly lived in Billerica and Chelmsford before settling in Tyngsborough, where he made his forever home since 1997.
Ralph dedicated many years to coaching football for Tyngsborough Youth Football and also coached lacrosse. While his children were growing up, he never missed a game or match, always showing his unwavering support. In his younger days, he was an avid hockey player, passionately enjoying the sport.
For many years he dedicated his time to his family, he was a stay at home dad until until 2005. As his children grew up, he founded Freedom Carpet Cleaning in 2005. In 2022, he expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors by acquiring Diamond Wood Floors, further growing his successful business portfolio.
He had a wicked sense of humor and was known for sharing jokes, proudly holding the title of "king of dad jokes." Many affectionately referred to him as the "gentle giant." He enjoyed working out, and spending time at the beach, particularly in Hampton. He was well known for wearing shorts year round, and was nicknamed the "heat patrol," refusing to turn on the heat until November 1st. His love for animals was unmistakable—he was known as the "dog whisperer" and had a special connection with all animals. He never went to a job site without bringing treats for the animals he encountered.
Attending rock concerts brought him immense joy, and he often took his family along to experience the shows together. A lover of food, he was also a skilled cook who appreciated a great meal, especially when shared with family and friends. His passion for both music and food created countless cherished memories with those closest to him.
In addition to his wife, Jody of Tyngsborough, he is survived by his daughter, Jackie Richardson of Tyngsborough and her companion, David Short of Westford; and his son, Ryan Richardson and his companion, Sydnie Rattee of Manchester.
He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret M. ‘Peggy' Delorme of Hampton, Joanne Smith and her husband, Paul of Tyngsborough, Mary F. Santos and her husband, Jeffrey of Dracut, Thomas E. Richardson and his wife, Wendy of Windham; his father in law, Daniel O'Brien of Billerica; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Griffin and Lucy; and his cat, Mr. Cro.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
On Thursday morning, his funeral will begin at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m., followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 144 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell.