Obituary

Anthony “Tony” Richards was born in Newcastle, PA August 9, 1934. He died in San Diego, CA on January 21, 2025. He grew up with his 3 sisters, Adele, Helen and Carol. At age 17 he met the love of his life, Patty whom he married on September 17, 1955. Tony is a proud alumni of Penn state where earned his degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation he attended Officer Candidate School and served on active duty as an Ensign in the US Navy until 1960. In 1957 Tony and Pat moved to San Diego. CA. He completed his Navy career in the reserve forces until he retired as a Navy Captain in 1984. Tony’s professional career was spent at Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical as a VP of business development where he was honored with the prestigious Gold Knight of Management Award. Among all these accomplishments, the greatest was his love and commitment to his family. He and Pat raised 4 children Cathy, Maria, Chuck and Tony. He was a devoted Grandpa to his 11 grandchildren and was blessed to spend time with 3 of his great grandchildren. He was a brother, uncle and friend to many. Every member of his family knew without a doubt that he would show up for them in any situation. He built a legacy of traditions that will never be forgotten including family reunions, the Grandpa Christmas Party, Christmas Eve dinners, the legendary train village, Steelers game days, 4th of July celebrations and ski trips to Mammoth.

Tony lived by four pillars and instilled them in his children and grandchildren. “God, Country, Family and Education.” We must have heard this mantra a million times growing up. The theme being you always sacrifice and work towards supporting the team or larger entity than yourself. One for all and all for one. The individual should be devoted to their family, the family devoted to their country, and the country devoted to their God. Something that at this moment in time rings even more true. Tony was a devout Catholic and gave all his success to the grace of God. He loved his country, was an unabashed patriot and served his county in the Navy with pride. His family was everything to him and he did whatever was needed in support of the family. Being educated to be able to make smart informed decisions in life was key to one’s success. He was an amazing role model for so many and his warm smile and willingness to do anything for you will be his legacy.

He will be greatly missed, but the love, family bonds and traditions he built will live on for generations to come.