Thomas Charles Richards, 79, a lifelong resident of Middleboro, died Friday, January 8, 2021 at his home after a long illness. He was the husband of Jeanne (Ricci) Richards. They were married for 50 years.
Born in Brockton, he was the son of the late Charles and Pamelia Richards.
Mr. Richards received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art in 1963, and his Master of Education in 1973.
He began his career teaching art at Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville, then for the Brockton Public School system for 38 years becoming the Coordinator of Art for grades K through 12. One of his greatest loves was working with students on the many productions of the Brockton High School Drama Club.
He spent summers on his beloved Onset Island, enjoying family and friends, building and raising many houses along with sailing his Pearson Ensign sailboat on Buzzards Bay. Mr. Richards had a love for local history and enjoyed restoring his antique Barden House. Travelling to Italy, Alaska, Ireland and many other places with his wife Jeanne were also many of his favorite times.
Survivors include his wife Jeanne; his children, Jonathan Richards and his wife Teri of Marion, and Sarah Richards and Glenn Smith of West Roxbury; his grandchildren, Charles and Henry Richards; his brothers, John Richards and his wife Kathy of Summerfield, FL, and James Richards and his wife Janet of Vero Beach, FL. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions services at this time will be private. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be planned during the summer of 2021 in Onset.
In Toms memory, the family asks that gifts be made to support the William P. Docken, MD Arthritis Research Fund at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Checks should be payable to the hospital with "In memory of Thomas C. Richards" in the memo line and sent to: BWH, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116 or visit: www.bwhgiving.org to make your gift online.
