Frederick Richards, of Selden, NY, passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 68. He was the beloved husband of nearly 28 years to Marjorie A. Gilcher, a devoted father to Jennifer Ralston Collins (Jack), and a cherished grandfather to Tyler Bell (Jenny), Ashley Ouadadouch (Mohamed), and Annalise Collins. He was also a loving brother to Christina Clark (Jerry) and Roseanne Ahders Lynn. Dear uncle of Kenneth Ruokonen (Melissa), Tina Unsworth (Michael), Crystal Wallace (Andy) and the late Stephen Ruokonen.
Fred grew up in Westbury, NY, and attended W.T. Clark High School before continuing his education at Nassau Community College. From an early age, he developed a love for fishing and photography, the latter of which became his lifelong career. He was also passionate about the theatre and was a well-known tenor in the Long Island theatre community, sharing his remarkable voice with many.
Deeply involved in his faith, Fred was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Island, where he found joy in singing in the church choir. His hobbies were as diverse as his talents—he was a train enthusiast with an elaborate setup in his office, an avid computer mini-golf player, and someone who simply loved spending time with his family.
One of Fred’s greatest joys was his Friday night dinners with Marjorie at their favorite spot, the Coram Diner. It was a tradition that brought them closer together, a simple yet meaningful part of their life.
Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Fred will be remembered for his warmth, his talents, and his unwavering love for his family. His voice, both in song and in spirit, will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Fred to either; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 36, 93 Yaphank-Middle Island Road, Middle Island, NY 11953. https://www.htlcny.org/ or Warrior Canine Connection, 14934 Schaeffer Road, Boyds, MD 20841. https://warriorcanineconnection.org/
