LTC John L. Richards USA (Retired)
Cullum: 24946
Class: '64
Cadet Company: B2
Date of Birth: February 27, 1943
Date of Death: January 7, 2019 - View or Post a Eulogy
John L. Richards "Jack" was born to John R. and Elaine Martin Richards on Staten Island, New York in 1943. In 1964 he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point New York. Among other posts,
he served in Thailand, Vietnam, and Germany and culminated his 20 year Army career as the District Engineer commanding the US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District from 1981-84.
Jack retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984 and settled in the Pittsburgh area where over the next 20 years he applied his construction management expertise to various consulting projects and arbitration cases.
He also started the Construction Management program at the University of Pittsburgh.
He was recognized for his long term excellence by the American Society of Civil Engineering as the Pittsburgh Area Civil Engineer of the Year in 2005.
During his long term residency in the Pittsburgh area, his love for Black and Gold expanded from rooting for Army to cheering for the Pittsburgh professional teams (Steelers, Penguins and Pirates).
After 20 years at the University of Pittsburgh, he retired and earned a Master of Religion degree from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. He then taught adult education classes at his church.
In 2017 he and his wife moved to New London, NH where he passed away January 7, 2019. In addition to his siblings and their spouses, Lt. Col.
Richards is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rosa Lee; children, John (Katie) Richards; James (Cynthia) Richards; and Catherine (Timothy) Marcy; as well as six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., at the CHADWICK FUNERAL HOME, 235 Main Street, New London, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the New London Hospital, 273 County Road, New London, NH 03257 in recognition of extraordinary kindness.
Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jan. 11, 2019
