Joseph Joe (Joe) Richards

Joseph Richards 92, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away peacefully at Holmes Regional Medical Center of Melbourne, Florida with his family by his side. Joe was born October 1, 1922 in Claxton Bay, Trinidad to the late Dailing Richards and Martha Miller. He was the second of two children and his early childhood years were in Claxton Bay, Trinidad where he was known as a “Piggy” amongst his close friends. Among his many enjoyments during this time was the time he spent with his late older brother Hamilton climbing trees. Joseph worked as a pump-fitter foreman for Texaco in Point-a-Pierre for 30 years before migrating to Brooklyn, NY in 1969.

Joseph was first married to Agnes Gomez (deceased), and then to Ruth Huggins, his best friend, for the last 44 years, before migrating to Palm Bay, Florida in 1992.

He focused all his energies on raising his children, quiet but firm, focused and very loving. He was the epitome of a devoted father. As a child, I remember very distinctly (as if it was yesterday) when he used to put three of us into a bath tub to give us a bath; when he taught us the Lord’s prayer; and put us to bed every night. Joe had a habit of not eating all his food so that we could eat after him. He always wanted to make sure that we had more than enough to eat. We felt that the food on his plate always tasted better than ours, even though it was the same food. On Sundays, he always made sure to take us for our car ride. Sunday was our special time with him.

Joe enjoyed playing cards with some of his close friends (Leon, Alison, Jeanette, Samson, Alfie) and even Ms. Ruth was even in the mix, till the wee-hours of the morning at his home. He even drove his car occasionally to run errands for his friends. Joseph was a very kind and loving person, with an infectious smile. Everyone who came in touch with him knows him as a “non-stressful” person.

Joe was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in West Melbourne, Florida. He is a God- fearing man, who was known as a “Gentle Giant”. Joseph was a devout believer in Jesus Christ whom he confessed as his Lord and Savior. He exhibited unyielding faith in God through all his trials.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Ruth, his 7 children, Joycelyn, Reuben, Victor, Keith, Nigel Carol, and Shirley. As a devoted father, and a good friend, Joe will be remembered for his smile and quiet, dignified manner. His enduring legacy will be carried for generations to come.