Laurence H. Richards

Laurence (Larry) H Richards, 76, passed away October 14, 2012. He was born in Chicago, IL on October 30, 1935 to Evelyn and Laurence Richards. He was raised in Frackville, PA with generations of family and many friends. He was a star football player and was offered several Division I scholarships. He attended the Citadel before joining The US Marine Corps. After serving his country, he resumed his football career at Elon College before moving to Jacksonville in the early 1960’s. He graduated from Jones College. He was recently elected to the Schuylkill County (PA) Sports Hall of Fame. Larry worked in banking, finance and the mortgage business throughout his career. He with a partner established Florida Mortgage Consultants where he continued his career until his retirement. He has been married for the past 43 years to the love of his life Patricia (Pat). They retired and moved to Switzerland, FL in 1984. A lifelong Catholic, he was members at both St Josephs and San Juan Del Rio parishes. He was a generous, loving and faithful supporter to his faith and especially his family. Larry is predeceased by his parents and his sister Jean Richards. He is survived by his five children: Mrs. Paula (Rick) Hood of Jacksonville; Mrs. Jeanne (John) Caldwell of Ponte Vedra; Mr. Mark Holder of St Johns, Mrs. Cathy (John) Nixon of Tallahassee and Mr. David (Mischelle) Richards of Jacksonville. “Papa” greatly enjoyed his time with his 13 grandchildren; Kacie, Michelle, Alexandra, Sofia, Conor, Jacquelyn, Caroline, Katie(Stan), Matthew, Ashley, Brittany, Joshua, Eden and 1 great-grandchild Allison. Larry was bigger than life and had a generous and loving heart, He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18th with Vigil Prayers at 7:00 p.m. in San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, St Johns FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 19th in San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, with Father John Tetlow as Celebrant, followed by interment with military honors in Oaklawn Cemetery on San Jose Blvd in Jacksonville FL.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com