Roland (Gramps) Richards Obituary
Roland Edward Richards, a long-time resident of Charlestown passed away on his 97th birthday, Tuesday, March 1, 2016. He was the husband of the late Eileen Moen Richards and the son of the late William and Laura Courchaine Richards. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, he moved as a young boy with his parents and 11 siblings to the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Charlestown.
Mr. Richards had a long career with Kenyon Industries. Starting in the dye house in the 1930's, he retired in 1984 as Vice President and General Manager of the Peace Dale Processing Division. An avid gardener, Mr. Richards was also active in the community. As a young man he worked with the volunteer fire department and was later elected to the Charlestown Town Council serving as Council President from 1962 to 1964.
Mr. Richards was very involved with the South County Hospital. He was on the hospital's Board of Trustees from 1966 to 1987; serving as President of the board from 1974 to 1979 and has been an Honoree Trustee since. Mr. Richards joined the US Navy in 1942 and served as Petty Officer aboard the USS Nassau in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.
He was honorably discharged and was a member of the American Legion, Downy Weaver Post in Charlestown. He leaves four children, Peter Richards and wife Kathleen of Charlestown; Susan Richards and husband Roy Fuller of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Heidi Perreault and husband Robert of Glenarm, IL; and Brian Richards and wife Diane of North Kingstown.
He also is survived by eight grandchildren: Scott Richards, Heather Richards, Jill Richards Lusk, Rae Perreault Long, Christian W. Richards, Danielle M. Richards, Zachery H. Richards, and Mackenzie M. Richards; five great-grandchildren Joshua Tefft, Seth Richards, Allison Long, Samantha Long, and Josie Long; and two sisters Irene Whaley and Gertrude Clarke.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 11, from 3-5 with a celebration of life to follow in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A reception will be held immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to South County Hospital, 100 Kenyon Ave, Wakefield RI 02879.
