Joseph Gerome Richards

Born December 25, 1952 in Haskell, NJ, he was a son of the late Richard H. and Emily (Fil) Richards. On April 4, 1987 he married Linda Artuhewich. The two shared 37 years of wonderful marriage.

Until his health would no longer allow him to work, Joe was employed as an auto mechanic and later and an electronic technician having worked in New Jersey. In 1999, he and his family moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Joe greatly loved the Blue Ridge mountains and was happy to call Waynesboro home. He was a man of deep faith and his faith, along with studying the Bible, was important to him. Every week he looked forward to having conversations with his best friend, Dave, in which they discussed the Bible in relation to current world events. Joe enjoyed working outside, working on cars, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He treasured time spent with his family and was proud of children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rich Richards; sister-in-law, Debbie Richards; and nephew, Joseph VanBodegon.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Linda Richards of Waynesboro; daughter, Justine Thompson and husband, Jermaine of Roanoke; son, Joseph D. Richards of Jackson, TN; three grandchildren, Malachi, Karmen, and Arianna; two sisters, Mary VanBodegon and husband, Art, of Port Charlotte, FL, and Liz Gosses and husband, Steve, of NJ; and eight nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, there will be no formal services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com