Edward ‘Ed’ Richards, 91, of Scranton and Seminole, FL died Thursday July 2nd at the Gardens of Green Ridge.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Connolly Richards. He was a graduate of Scranton Schools and East Stroudsburg University. After graduating, he started his career as a history teacher and retired after 25 years as a Federal Bank Examiner. He voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army and served during WWII.
Ed generously donated to UNICEF in making sure children in Africa had school supplies and desks. He also loved to donate and assist the different sanctuaries in Florida, as well as the World Wildlife Federation.
“Uncle Ed”, as he was known my many, spent many years in Pinellas County, FL. Many years ago, he worked tirelessly to assist Pinellas County on getting their first Blood Mobile. From his time in the Army and every 56 days until a few years ago, Ed donated 70 gallons of Blood. After retirement, he took great pride in volunteering his time to teach illiterate adults how to read. Every Christmas, you could find Ed serving as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army in Florida.
He was a proud Free and Accepted Mason where he belonged to the Nitra F. & AM in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Irem Shriners in Tampa, FL. He was always very proud of his Scottish heritage and took pride in following the Bag Pipes in the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
When Ed wasn’t working or on his daily several mile walks, he was caring for his family.
Surviving are his niece Betty Newcomb and her husband Charles of Scranton; great nephews Charlie Newcomb and his wife Carri of Scranton and Ed Newcomb and his wife Jenny of Dickson City; great – great nieces and nephews Ryan, Paige, Alison, and Declan Newcomb.
He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Hoffman; nephew Louis Hoffman, who passed away in April; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A joint Memorial Service for Ed and his nephew Louis will take place but due to the covid19 pandemic and recent state restrictions all services and interment will be private.
Inurnment with military honors, Forest Hill Cemetery, Dunmore.
In lieu of flowers, Ed’s wish was that you take the time to donate blood.
If you would like to send the family a card you mail it to the funeral home. The mailing address is:
Vanston and James Funeral Home
1401 Ash St
Scranton, PA 18510
attn: Family of Edward Richards or Louis Hoffman
Ceil Guzzi
So very sorry to read of Ed passing. Also Louis. I graduated with Ed and used to call Louie to have Ed ready for his reunion lunches and dinners. He always say with me and when in Florida for winters he would call once in a while to chat. He was a fine man. All of our members from our group have either passed on or quite ill.. Once again,please accept
my sincere sympathy..