Preston Ford "Stub" Richards
May 19, 1917 - April 05, 2009
Foxboro-Preston Ford “Stub” Richards, age 91, passed away on April 5, 2009 at Caritas Norwood Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by the comfort of his loving family.
A resident of Foxboro since 1952, Mr. Richards was born in Lynn on May 19, 1917 to the late Albert and Vada (Ford) Richards. His early childhood was spent in Nahant however he moved to Mansfield at the age of eleven. As a young man he worked in his fathers green house business. He was a member of the Mansfield High School Class of 1935. He was the beloved husband of the late Arline (Donahue) Richards to whom he was married for 66 years.
He was employed by S.W. Cards in Mansfield for 30 years and retired from the Foxboro Company in 1979. Upon retirement he pursued his true love of landscaping by establishing Richards Nursery.
He was an avid hunter and was the current oldest member of the Foxboro Country Club enjoying a challenging game of golf into his 90’s. He took great pleasure in caring for his property as evidenced by the lovely landscaping, shrubs and flowers around the grounds. A faithful follower of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox, his most cherished times were spent with his adoring large family.
He was the devoted father of Gail and her husband Larry Bearce of Foxboro, Joe Richards and his wife Marjorie of Plainville, Kathleen and her husband Bruce Ciulla of Foxboro, Eileen Spooner and her mate Normand Gigure of Blackstone, Donna and her husband Dennis Laverty of Plainville and Charlene and husband Jeff Cothran of Orlando, FL. Beloved grandfather of Michael, Mark and Matthew Bearce, Tracey Turke, Joseph and Jeffrey Richards, Christine, Brian, Bruce, Mary and John Ciulla, Melissa Souza, Danielle and Ryan Spooner and Stephen, Shawn, Scott and Patrick Laverty. Also survived by 17 great grandchildren and an additional one expected in June. He was the brother of the late Marie Nutting and Jack and Joseph Richards.
Funeral Information
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, April 7, from 4-8 PM at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South Street in Foxborough center. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 8, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Carpenter Street in Foxboro. Interment to follow at Rock Hill Cemetery in Foxboro. For additional information please contact 508-543-5471. To light a special candle in Stub’s memory please visit the Funeral Home web site at www.robertsandsonsfuneral.com.