WORCESTER___Rev. Richard Richards, A.A., known in secular life as Edmund Alfred Richards, 81, of 50 Old English Rd., died Saturday Oct. 30 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, 119 Belmont St.
At the time of his death Fr. Richards was the Provincial and College Archivist for the Augustinians of the Assumption and had served in that capacity since 1985 in Milton, Brighton and most recently Worcester. Previously, he directed the Assumption Guild from 1985 -1997 and was a Professor of Fine Arts at Assumption College from 1951-1985 and also directed the college theater productions for several years. He was Dean of Men at the college from 1964 -1966. Before then he taught at Assumption Preparatory School. from 1946 – 1953.
Born in Westfield, son of Joseph E. and Irene (Cayen) Richard he was raised in North Adams and graduated from Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur there. He then graduated from Assumption Preparatory High School in 1941 and Assumption College in 1946. He entered the Assumptionists in 1943 and professed his perpetual vows in 1947. Fr. Richards was ordained a priest Dec. 23, 1950 at St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome. He received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Angelicum, Rome in 1951. Fr. Richards received his masters degree from Emerson College and studied theater at Fordham University. He was very interested in genealogy, stamps, fine arts and photography he also enjoyed classical music including the Cello. He wrote booklets on Fr. d’Alzon and on the history of the province.
Besides his Assumptionist brothers he leaves a brother, Robert E. Richards of Friendship, MD., and a sister, Mary P. Richards of Delmar, NY., and nephews and nieces.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday Nov. 2 with a Mass at 10 a.m. in The Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St. The Rev. Donald Espinosa, A.A. will be the principal celebrant. Calling hours in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit will be Monday Nov. 1 from 2 - 4:30 and 7- 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Assumptionists’ Retirement Fund, 330 Market St., Brighton, 02135. DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., is directing funeral arrangements.