Joseph R. Richards

Joseph Roger Richards, age 80 of New Albany, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013. Joseph was born and raised in Columbus, son of the late Francis and Marjorie Richards. Joseph graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and following, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served during the Korean War. Joseph retired as a Battalion Chief for the City of Columbus Division of Fire and was a Maltese Cross recipient. He was a very unselfish man who was always willing to help someone in need. He had a great sense of humor and loved to pull practical jokes at the firehouse. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and 4 Unit Retirement Group, and also participated in the Senior Olympics. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Diane Richards; children, Dan Richards, Chris (Don) Catalfu, Tim (Kim) Richards and Mary (Bob) McNitt; grandchildren, Nicole, Sean and Aimee Richards, Cameron Catalfu and Robert McNitt; sister, Jane (Jack) Harris; and many other extended family members and dear friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 Friday, January 18, 2013 at Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany. Family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Thursday at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd. Father Jerome P. Rodenfels, Celebrant. Interment Maplewood Cemetery. Joseph’s family would like to thank the staff at Tridia Hospice for the outstanding care they gave and compassion they showed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.