Robert C. Richards

Robert C. Richards, 83, was born in Lawrence, MA, on December 15, 1940, to his (late) parents James Richards and Evelyn (Wilson) Richards. Rob is survived by his daughter, Lynn Diligillo (GA); his son, Rob Richards, Jr. (NH) and their spouses and children; his sister, Mildred Goulet (NC) and Katherine Demers (NH); as well as all his nieces and nephews. Rob was predeceased by his brother, James Richards (NH), sister Fay and her husband Arend Beekhuis (NC); his sister, Adeline (NV); and his brothers-in-law, Solomon Goulet (NC) and Robert Demers (NH).

A well-educated and mannered man, Rob received his H.S. diploma from Lawrence High School; his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute; and his M.S. in Engineering Management from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. He was an active member of the US Navy from May 2, 1963, until September 01, 1967, when he was honorably discharged as an Aviation Fire Control Technician Petty Officer First Class (AQ1), to pursue higher educational degrees. His naval career includes service in Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii and during the Vietnam War.

Rob’s professional endeavors included higher level management in the electrical departments of AT&T, Computer Graphic, Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, and Teradyne. He was also an Algebra professor (Boolean) at Hesser College, Salem, NH.

After retirement, Rob roller skated at Skateland, Bradford; Roller Place, Beverly; and Roller Kingdom, Hudson for enjoyment. Even in 2006, he and his artistic roller-skating partner (Nancy G.) qualified and competed at the United States Championships in Lincoln Nebraska, finishing in 3rd place.

Rob was avid historian and dedicated many years to tracing his family’s roots and collecting US special edition coins. In his search, he discovered that he and his family are connected to the Mayflower, with ancestors boarding the ship via the Wilson’s lineage. He kept his mind sharp by playing Sudoku, Solitaire and Chess, reading, and watching historical documentaries and his favorite, Western movies - you could always find him snuggled up on the couch with his beloved dog, Rondo. He also enjoyed maintaining his antique Mustang and taking it out for joy rides. Rob devoted time to being a Member of American Legion, IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN), and Sons of the American Revolution as well.

He is also survived by his long-time partner and true love, Phu Tran; her siblings’ families and their children and grandchildren, with whom he spent most of his life. He enjoyed family meals and vacations, especially to his beach house in Sunset Beach (NC). Rob embodied the American Spirit and exemplified this to those he was closest. He was always willing to lend a hand or teach a valuable lesson - he was full of practical knowledge and experience that he loved to share. Rob was an important part of the Tran family, and he grew to be more than a good uncle and partner. He was loved, respected, admired and surrounded by his family until his last breath. His impact on the Tran family is forever.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 9:00–11:30 AM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA, to honor Rob. A naval tribute will be conducted in respect to his service.

A luncheon buffet will be held following the ceremony from 12pm-2:30 PM, at China Blossom Restaurant, 946 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA.