Mr. Charles W. "Bill" Richards, a resident of North Andover and beloved husband of Irene “Marty” (Martel) Richards, passed away at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill on Thursday morning, April 8, 2021. He was 95 years old.
Born in Andover, Massachusetts, on January 27, 1926, he was the beloved son of the late Alfred J. and Angeline (Bernard) Richard. Mr. Richards was a WWII Army Airforce Veteran, entering the military at Ft. Devens on October 20, 1943 and received his honorable discharge from Keesler Field, Mississippi, on November 3, 1945. Bill was awarded the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal for his service. He was a qualified Sharpshooter and Marksman while in the military.
In civilian life, Mr. Richards was employed as a Hoisting Engineer. He belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineer’s, Local 4. He built his home in Andover, Massachusetts, in the early 1950‘s. He enjoyed construction projects as well as fixing anything in his home or for family and friends. He was also an avid card and Yahtzee player and enjoyed traveling with family. Above all, Bill was a very devoted husband, father, grand-father and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed.
Besides his beloved wife, Marty, Bill is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law; Janice A. and her husband Neil F. Murray of Atkinson, New Hampshire, siblings; George Richards of Barefoot Bay, Florida, Lorraine Kenney of North Andover and Ella Riley of North Andover, step-brother, Wayne Richards of Arizona, grandchildren; Jessica and her husband Mark Hanson of Exeter, New Hampshire, Christopher and his wife Amy Murray of Acton and Alison and her husband Jason Hrycuna of Sandown, New Hampshire, great-grandchildren; Isabella and Christian Hanson, both of Exeter, New Hampshire and Finn and Nora Murray, both of Acton and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Robert A. Richards, father-in-law of the late Flora I. Richards, brother of the late Anne Springer, Wilfred “Joe” Richards, Francis Richards, Marguerite Keyes, Harold Richards, Mildred Fairburn and step-brother of the late; Barry Richards.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will be held in St. Augustine Cemetery in Andover. Social distancing, masks and any other Covid requirements will be in place at the church and cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA 01810. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.