EAST HARDWICK – Maurice Henry Richardson Sr., 86, a longtime member of the East Hardwick community, passed away unexpectedly on September 6, in East Hardwick.
He was born in Craftsbury on November 18, 1936, the son of the late Henry and Dolores (LeBlanc) Richardson. Most of his childhood was spent on the family farm in Greensboro with his parents and two sisters. He attended Greensboro High School and graduated in 1954.
A young lady by the name of Gailene Brock caught his eye one day and he asked her to accompany him on a brief move to New York. The two were married in Silver Lake, N.Y., on October 3, 1959, after which they returned to Vermont and eventually settled at their forever residence to raise four children. Part of a musical family, one of his favorite weekend pastimes was going out dancing. He also enjoyed playing the harmonica and spoons.
Maurice proudly served in the Vermont Army National Guard and worked at Mastercraft Fence Company in Greensboro Bend for more than 35 years. He was then employed by Vermont Precision Woodworks in Morrisville, and later spent 15 years maintaining the recreation field and streets of Cabot Village. His dedication to making the town beautiful was commended by local officials. Upon retiring in 2013, he focused all his attention on the beautification of his own property, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and growing an abundance of vegetables. He did not hesitate to give away and share with the people he loved. He enjoyed playing cards, time with family and friends, and going out to dinners at the Wayside Restaurant with his family.
Maurice was well-known for making friends wherever he went. He had charisma that made him easy to warm up to and enough jokes to get people laughing. He loved the view from his windows. On days he didn’t make it outdoors, he could still appreciate the visits from the woodchucks, deer and birds that came to his backyard.
Survivors include: four children, Maurice H. Richardson Jr. and wife, Karan of Barre, Michael Richardson Sr. and wife, Amy of St. Johnsbury, Tammy Molleur of Hardwick, and Marc Richardson and companion, Billie Jo of Lowell; two sisters, Henriette Garven and husband Vivien of Hardwick and Yvette Dunbar and husband Jerry of Barre; 15 grandchildren: Maurice Richardson III, Melissa Vize and husband Danny, Michael Richardson Jr., Katelynn Richardson, Tyler Molleur, Brittany Molleur, Christopher Molleur, Quinn Molleur, Andrew Richardson, Mikayla Richardson and Charlie Richardson, Francheska Churchill, Margo Lovejoy, Destiny Sorrell and Jordin Sorrell; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great- grandson; as well as a very large extended family.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gailene in 2015.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, September 20, at Mary Queen of All Saints Parish, (St. Norbert’s Church) in Hardwick, with Father Raj Madri celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, VT 05843.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com
