Obituary of William G. Richards

William “Bill” Richards passed away peacefully on October 12, 2019 at age 85 while surrounded by his family.  Bill was the devoted husband of the late Ellen (McDermott), and loving father of Kenneth (Laura) and James (Kathryn) and grandfather of Kenneth G., Joseph, Sean and Hayley.  He is also survived by sister, Karen Owens, and many other family members that he loved so much.

Born in Brooklyn, Bill graduated from Franklin. K. Lane High School in 1951.  He served proudly in the US Navy aboard the USS Intrepid from 1954 – 1958.  He was honored to attend many Intrepid reunion events throughout the years. A Brooklyn Dodgers fan as a youth, Bill became a huge NY Yankees fan once the Dodgers fled to San Francisco. 

Bill was a graduate of CUNY’s Bernard Baruch College and had a distinguished career as a corporate accounting manager, while working into his mid-70's at such well-known companies as American Airlines, New York Air and British Airways.  He held dear the many friends he made during his career, enjoying time with them even into retirement.

Always one to get involved, Bill was an active youth baseball, basketball and football coach for approximately 20 years, while also serving as the President of the New Hyde Park Little League and Commissioner of Basketball for the NHP Police Boys’ Club.  He, along with his dear coaching friends, mentored many future athletes that would go on to pass through the ranks of New Hyde Park Memorial High School.  Bill was always thrilled to see them and hear about their life accomplishments. Many asked about him throughout the years.

Bill was a wonderful family man as well.  In more recent years, he could always be seen at his grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on and getting involved in any way possible.  He also cherished sharing his love for art and drawing with granddaughter, Hayley, and of course talking about and watching his beloved Yankees with the entire family.

The Richards family is deeply saddened by his passing.  Bill leaves us all with a lifetime of dedication and memories, but most of all, he leaves us with love.  He will be missed so much.  Thank you, Bill!

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, October 16th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home at 49 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY.  Mass of Christian burial is Thursday, October 17th at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 420 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY.  Interment immediately following at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.