He was born on September 10, 1933, in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.
George served in the United States Navy as a radar operator aboard the Naval Destroyer U.S.S. Cassin Young during the Korean War.
During leave, George met and married Elizabeth Ann Litwhiler, also from Mahanoy City.
George worked for the District of Columbia Fire Department until retirement.
In his spare time, he enjoyed renovating homes and businesses, making furniture, fishing, playing cribbage and poker with his family.
George is preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Harold Richards, his sister Mildred Lindner, brothers Harold ‘Buddy’ and Roy, and his grandson Corey Pratt from Endicott, NY.
His wife of 68 years, Elizabeth, passed away on February 22, 2024.
He is survived by his sisters Deloris Romanek and Nancy Rupert, brothers Ralph and Tom, his children Bonnie Hammett, Pamela Longo and husband Vito, Jeffrey Richards and wife Helen, Cheryl Vosdingh, and Curtis Richards and wife Kristen, along with 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
George was highly regarded and esteemed by many. His absence will be profoundly felt.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2 PM at his residence, 5066 Icard Ridge Rd, Hickory, NC 28601 for family and friends.
