Peter Arthur Richards

The life of Peter Arthur Richards was a rich and varied one. He was a High School Teacher who specialized and and taught Latin, French, Botany and English at Dominica Grammar School in Roseau, Dominica.

In his quest to obtain further education, Peter made the decision to move to the United States where he received a bachelor's degree in economics and finance at Queens College and a master's in business administration at Bernard M. Baruch College.

After entering the business world Peter embarked on a wide and extended journey in the securities and commodities industry on Wall Street, first as a manager in the Market Surveillance and in the Trading Floor Operations at the New York Stock Exchange and then as a Compliance Administrator in Investment Banking and Underwriting a the then Morgan Stanley Corp.

Peter's interest kept him keenly attuned to community challenges even as back as his days in Dominica where he headed and initiated youth and education programs. Peter seemed to have a knack in looking ahead for opportunities to serve his community no matter where he was.

This gift would be instrumental when in 1978 Hurricane David his the island of Dominica. Working 1500 miles away at the then "World Trade Center:, Peter received news that communications on the island were totally blacked out except for a weak hand radio communicating with the outside world.

Moving to action, Peter contacted the "United Nations", the voice on the other side of the phone said they were waiting for a call from the island. Peter answered, because there is no one who can call, he is making the call for the island.

With that call from Peter, rescue work for Dominica was initiated. Within that same week, Peter, with a small group of Dominicans, together known as the "Sisserou Entertainers" managed to unite with other groups to bring disaster relief to the Island. This unification would become known as "Dominica Hurricane Relief" and later establishing Dominica American Relief and Development Association, Inc. better known as DARDA, which continues to this day. Peter was also heavily involved in "Southern Queens Park Association" serving as vice president, presenting numerous concerts, events and serving the "Senior Citizens Garden Club". Peter had a great passion for art also. There is much more to add of Peter's heart for people and culture but not enough time to name them all this is but an example of the man. Though we see Peter had a very strong work ethic he also enjoyed life.

He was active in his church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and enjoyed singing in the church choir for over 20 years. He found great pleasure in being involved with Catholic Youth Organization Trach when his kids were younger. Peter took the opportunity to help around the church, commenting that he developed friends for life in areas that you never would consider, like painting walls and ceilings with Walter. He was known to be a kind and generous man with a big heart.

While Peter had a knack for looking ahead I don't believe he saw what was coming when in his words he said "while working in the commodities business his eyes engaged those of then Beverly Jackson", well not long after that they were married, bringing their family to five. Peter Jr. from a previous marriage, and Julian and Ashlee. Married in 1986, Peter and Beverly enjoyed traveling and tending to their garden at Roy Wilkins Senior Garden. Peter enjoyed playing drums and participated in the annual cultural carnival on Labor Day ( West Indian Day Parade). The love that Peter showed for Beverly was not just in words but in deeds also. A good husband, father, brother and friend and he will be missed.

Left to cherish memories of Peter are his children, sons Peter Richards Jr., Julian Richards and Daughter Ashlee Richards. His brother Reynolds Richards (Surrel) of Florida, Charmaine Richards-Lewis of Dominica, Decima Gustave of New Jersey and Adena Gustave of Maryland. Deceased brothers and sisters, Rudolph Richards, Kenneth Richards, Josephine Richards, Mona Richards-John Baptist, Clement Richards, Theresa Richards, Evelyn Richards and Isaiah (Pat) Richards. And he has left many nieces and nephews behind.

A visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, located at 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, on January 11, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The visitation will be available via live stream at https://fweb.tv/235322.

The Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 92-96 220th St, Queens Village, New York 11428, on January 12, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. This service will also be live-streamed and can be accessed at https://boxcast.tv/view/mass-of-christian-burial-for-peter-arthur-richards-rsotuxltdiszgykf9fac.

Burial will follow at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735, on January 12, 2026, from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm.