Hosea G. Richards, Sr.

Hosea was born in Hartwick, NY to the late Earl and Amy (Ferguson) Richards. Later moving to Sussex, NJ where Hosea went to the Wantage Elementary School.

He then as a teenager worked at various jobs until 1943 when Hosea enlisted into the US Army as a Technician Fifth Grade Rank until his honorable discharge in 1945. Hosea then married his loving wife Elsie in 1948.

Hosea worked for the United and Sprint Telephone Company and was recognized for his 40 years of loyal and conscientious service from 1951 to 1991. Hosea was a charter member of the Andover Twsp Fire Department, the oldest member of the V.F.W. in Newton, and a Lifetime Legionnaire member.

Hosea played football and bowling and enjoyed playing softball into his 70s. He loved traveling with his family and later on in life by himself. His motorcycle, tractors, and going to ShopRite was his style.

Hosea was also predeceased by his wife, Elsie Margaret Richards; his sons, Hosea G. Richards, Jr., and Allan Wayne Richards. He is survived by his brother, Ernie Richards; his sister, Louise Predmore; his children, Brion M. Richards and wife Karen, Ronnie Richards, and Joy C. Thatcher; his grandchildren, Colin Rosselli, Garrett Richards and wife Diane, Kyla Richards, Tiffany Thatcher, and Dylan Thatcher; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. Funeral Services and a Firemen’s Service will follow at 4 pm. Burial of Hosea’s cremated remains will take place at 11 am on Friday, July 15, 2022, in Stanhope-Union Cemetery, Waterloo Rd, Mt. Olive, NJ.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com