Tony Metro

August 22, 1966 – September 25, 2026

Anthony Benard Richardson, affectionately known as Tony Metro, age 60, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, leaving behind a life filled with service, laughter, resilience, creativity, and an immeasurable love for his family.

Tony was not a man who simply existed—he lived boldly, loved deeply, and left an impression everywhere he went. He had a personality that could fill a room, a sense of humor that could turn an ordinary moment into a memory, and a gift for making people feel his presence long after he was gone.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Tony was naturally outgoing and deeply connected to the people and things he loved. He enjoyed family gatherings, animals, sports, the outdoors, cooking, gardening, working with his hands, and simply being around people. Family was at the center of his heart, and he treasured the stories, traditions, laughter, and memories they created together.

A Life of Service

In January 1986, Tony proudly answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy. His military journey took him to Virginia, Florida, and Puerto Rico, where he especially enjoyed his time working on aircraft in the shipyard.

His service was more than a chapter in his life—it was a reflection of his determination, discipline, courage, and willingness to work hard. Tony carried the pride of being a Navy veteran throughout his life, and his service will forever remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.

After his Navy career, Tony continued his passion for aviation by earning his Airframe and Powerplant License. He went on to spend eight years working as an Aircraft Mechanic with Northwest Airlines and Delta in Metro Detroit.

A Man Who Made People Laugh

Tony’s talents could never be contained to one career.

With a natural gift for storytelling, humor, and entertaining others, Tony pursued another dream and became a stand-up comedian, performing across the country from New York to Las Vegas. He could take a story, a situation, or even an ordinary conversation and turn it into something people would remember.

One of his proudest moments was performing at a cancer charity event in front of more than 300 people. For Tony, making people laugh was more than entertainment—it was a way of connecting with people and bringing light into their lives.

A Father, Grandfather, and Family Man

In his later years, Tony found joy in the simple things: gardening, cooking, home projects, his beloved dogs, and spending time with his family. He loved growing vegetables, preparing hearty breakfasts, sharing his knowledge, and passing pieces of himself down to the next generation.

Tony was especially proud to be a girl dad to his four daughters: Ashley, Brelle, Charnelle, and Charmaine. His daughters were a tremendous part of his heart and his legacy. He took pride in being there for them, guiding them through life, helping them through difficult moments, and watching each of them become the women they are today.

His six grandchildren—Pearl, Rustin II, Xzavier, Julian, Kali, and Alyna—brought him a special kind of joy. He loved teaching them, encouraging them, making them laugh, and watching them grow. The lessons, stories, humor, and love he poured into them will continue through generations to come.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Tony will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, contagious laughter, unforgettable stories, creativity, sense of style, determination, generosity, and enormous heart. He had a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable and leaving people with a story to tell.

He was a Navy veteran, an aircraft mechanic, a comedian, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son, a friend, and so much more.

But above all, Tony was himself—and there will never be another him.

His voice may be silent, but his stories will continue to be told.

His laughter may no longer fill the room, but the memories of it will remain.

His hands may no longer hold his family, but the love he gave them will continue to hold them together.

Tony’s life was not defined by how it ended, but by the lives he touched, the laughter he created, the people he loved, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Preceded in Death By

His mother, Mildred Richardson; maternal grandparents, Jesse and Lula Street; and paternal grandparents, Henry Richardson and Jennie Bell.

Left to Cherish His Memory

His father, Frank Richardson; sister, Mary Richardson; daughters, Ashley Richardson, Brelle Toussaint, Charnelle Richardson, and Charmaine Richardson; and grandchildren, Pearl Richardson, Rustin Jones II, Xzavier Richardson, Julian Ashburn, Kali Carson, and Alyna Zaragoza.

Tony Metro served his country, loved his family, made people laugh, and lived a life that could never be forgotten.

His mission on Earth is complete.
His watch has ended.
But his legacy lives on.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Until we meet again, Dad. ⚓️🖤

CELEBRATION OF LIFE & FUNERAL SERVICES

Saturday, October 10, 2026

A.H. Peters Funeral Home | Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan

We invite family, friends, and all who knew and loved Tony to join us as we celebrate his life, honor his legacy, share in laughter and memories, and say our final goodbyes.

Viewing: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Funeral Service: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Repast: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM