Pittsfield- Donald L. Richards Jr. "Gentle Giant", 74, died peacefully at home on Thursday evening. Born December 16, 1941 in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late Donald L. Richards Sr. and the late Barbara Hartmann Richards. A lifelong Pittsfield resident, he was a 1959 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Intrepid. Don was employed for thirty-two years as a truck driver for the former Mohawk Beverage and then Pepsi-Cola Bottling Corporation; he retired in 1996. Don was a longtime member of the Y.A.B.A. and a twenty-six-year coach for the Junior Bowling League. He served as president of the local Bowling Association and was a member of the American Softball Association. He enjoyed umpiring, playing softball, coin collecting as well as being a ferocious card player. Don and Linda spent 15 glorious sun filled years working on their tans in Arizona, spending quality time with their daughter. Our adored husband and father was the most kind and generous man always willing to help his fellow man.

He leaves his wife, the former Linda M. Vermes whom he married on May 4, 1963 at Pilgrim Memorial Church. Married for 53 years they would have celebrated their anniversary this Wednesday. Beloved father to daughter; Deborah M. Pickard along with Randy J. Kaptein of Cottonwood, AZ. A son; Michael D. Richards and his wife Debora of Columbia, SC. Two sisters; Bonnie Killion of Portland, Oregon and Janet Crosier of Upton, MA. He also leaves a brother; Ronald L. Richards of Orlando, Florida, four grandchildren; Adam S. Pickard, Matthew D. Pickard and his wife Jessica, Alexander J. Richards and Sierra C. Richards, a great granddaughter; Kyree Dunlap and his lap companion Gabby "Charlie". Don will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.



FUNERAL NOTICE: A Celebration of Life for Donald L. Richards Jr. "Gentle Giant" who died April 28, 2016 will be held Thursday at 6 PM at the Polish Falcon Club on Bel Air Avenue. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to the for-coming Don Richards Bowling Scholarship for high school students in care of the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 which is handling arrangements.

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