Jack Richards, WWII Vet, Champion Pole Vaulter, Dies at 87

Obituary via Hays Funeral Home:

John “Jack” W. Richards, 87, a 51-year resident of Northborough, passed away May 4, 2015 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University campus after a brief illness. His beloved wife Joan (Collette) died in 2001. He leaves behind his children, William Richards of Northborough; Carol Richards of Shrewsbury; Nancy Dragon of Berlin; Thomas Richards and his wife Robin of Shrewsbury; Steven Richards and his wife Martha of Shrewsbury; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; his sister Marie Richards of VT; nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his brother Vernon Richards Jr.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all for his kind and gentle ways.

Born and raised in Rutland, VT, John excelled as a district champion high school pole-vaulter in Vermont. John and Joan moved to Northborough in 1964 and raised their family on Mayflower Rd. Mr. Richards was a 35-year employee of General Motors in Framingham and worked as an incoming inspector. He retired in 1989.

Mr. Richards was a U.A.W. member. John loved watching Sunday games with his family. Other favorite pastimes were playing checkers & chess including Board Game Buddies Program at Proctor School. He loved vacationing and visiting Lake Champlain. An army veteran during the WW II era, Mr. Richards served overseas in Korea.

Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Proctor School Community Gift Account, 26 Jefferson Rd. Northborough, MA 01532. For the online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com