Anthony "Tarby" Richards

Anthony Peter Richards, better known as Anthony “Tarby” Richards, born in Acushnet, MA on June 24, 1948, was 72 y/o when his spirit left the body in New Bedford, MA, January 11, 2021, surrounded by his children, following a month-long battle with Covid-19.

He was a lifelong resident of New Bedford, where he was an influential man that brought a smile and laughter to so many people. He graduated from New Bedford High School, and attended Massachusetts School of Art and Design. Prior to a career with AT&T from which he retired, Tarby was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War , and he later served during the Gulf War in Iraq as combat support with the National Guard, from which he also retired. He was a champion of Veteran's rights, he loved Golf, Boston sports, chess, photography, helping people, and bringing joy to others. Tarby was most proud of his greatest accomplishments as an incredible father.

Tarby is survived by 5 children whom absolutely adore him: Victoria Richards, Ashley Richards, Gabrielle Richards, Alexandria Richards and Elijah Richards all of New Bedford, and blessed with a grandchild, Mackensie Baptista also of New Bedford. Tarby was born to a single parent, the late Nellie Fonseca Richards, and he has 2 loving brothers: Richard (Dicky) Fonseca of New Bedford, and Melvin (Vinny) Richards of Oxnard, California. Nephew of the late Melvin Teixeira of New York, and leaves behind an aunt Ruby Townsend Teixeira of New York. Tarby was happily engaged to Dorothy Thompson of Middleborough when he passed. Tarby had many loving relatives and precious friends across the USA, Cape Verde, and Europe. In the loving words of Anthony "Tarby" Richards “Always Remember to Pause For The Cause”.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 4:00pm-8:00pm in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. His funeral will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00am at New Life Church, 1331-1335 Cove Rd., New Bedford. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 7 of New Bedford, 19 Willis St. New Bedford, MA 02740, 508-992-3766, www.dav.org. For on-line tributes please visit our website at: www.waring-sullivan.com