In Memory of . . . Charles O. Richardson, Jr. (1915-2013)

Charles Richardson Jr. Photo

The Rev. Charles O. Richardson, Jr. died on April 5, 2013 at the age of 97.

Rev. Richardson was born in Weston, MA on August 26, 1915 to Laura
(Woodworth) and Charles O. Richardson. He graduated with a Bachelor of
Arts from Harvard College in 1937. He went on to attain a Bachelor of
Sacred Theology from Harvard Divinity School in 1949.

Ordained at the First Parish Church of Stow, MA in 1949, Rev. Richardson served
as its minister until 1953. He then went on to serve the First Parish Unitarian Church in Canton, MA from 1953-1957. He served as interim minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, NH and the First Parish of Stow, MA in 1957 and 1958, respectively. He moved on to serve
the Unitarian Universalist Church of South Acton, MA from 1958-1960; and followed that with interim ministry positions at the First Parish of Groton, MA in 1960; and the Unitarian Church of Dublin, NH in 1961. From 1962-1972, he served the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Wilton Center, NH; and from 1974-1976, he served the Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church in Brookfield, MA. Finally, in for a few months in 1982-1983, he returned to the First Unitarian Congregational
Society of Wilton Center, NH and served as their interim minister. The church had previously honored him in 1972 by bestowing him with the title of Minister Emeritus. He officially retired in 1985.

Having explored other careers and pathways in his earlier life, Rev. Richardson worked for the Boston Herald Traveler newspaper for several years after receiving his undergraduate degree. He eventually left to join the Navy during World War II.

Rev. Richardson’s interests ran the gamut, and he was actively involved in various organizations throughout his lifetime such as the Freemasons and Lions Club. A man with a dynamic and inquisitive mind, Rev. Richardson truly enjoyed reading about and debating theological and political subjects. He was also an eager fan of the Boston Red Sox as well as the Harvard football team. He absolutely loved live theatre, and performed for years in local, community theatre productions.

“Corry” (as he was known to friends and loved ones) vacationed with his family for many wonderful years at his home in Kennebunk Beach, ME. His family, friends, and caregivers at Summerhill Assisted Living will remember him fondly.

Rev. Richardson is survived by his son, Charles O. Richardson, III; daughters, Penelope Richardson Tarrant and Elizabeth Richardson Paré; grandchildren, Joshua C. Tarrant, Callan E. Richardson, Alexander G. Paré and Carter C. Richardson; and sisters, Mabel C. Richardson, Laura R. Payson, and Lucy Rand and her husband Theodore G. Rand. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth H. Richardson.

There was a memorial service on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Wilton Center in Wilton, NH.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Charles O. Richardson, III at 305 Guyette Rd., East Montpelier, VT 05651.

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