Charles E. Richardson

Charles E. Richardson

ORANGE- Charles E. Richardson, 91, of Ward Road, died peacefully on Friday morning, August 3, 2012 at home following an illness, with family at his side.
Born in Northfield on November 27, 1920, he was a son of Charles and Mabel (Miner) Richardson and graduated from Northfield High School in 1938.
Charles served in World War Two in the Army Air Corps as a tail gunner before being honorably discharged.
In 1941, he married Edna (Knowlton) on August 2nd and had just celebrated their 71st anniversary. He and Edna also built their own home in 1949.
Charles had worked at the former Ansin Shoe Shop and Union Twist Drill prior to his military service. Upon his discharge from the Army Air Corp, he worked at the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol and later went to work at Hamilton Standard in Indian Orchard. After earning his certificate in drafting from self teaching, Charles went to work in Gardner for Harrington-Richardson.
A Master gun smith, he was well known in the area for his expertise in repairing guns.
An avid horseshoe player, Charles won the Massachusetts State Championship in 1979, and also was inducted into the National Horseshoe Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling, and the Boston Red Sox.
He was a member of the Wheelerville Community Club and a Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Charles was a humble man who loved his family dearly.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Edna Richardson of Orange; children, (Mabel) Ann Hastings and her partner, Michael Maselli, of Orange, Donald Richardson and his wife, Sue, of Wendell, Herbert Richardson and his wife, Doreen, of Athol, Linda Spooner of Orange, and Gary Richardson and his wife, Tina, of Orange; grandchildren, Martin Hastings, Kristin Arce, Jackie Richardson, Donald Richardson Jr., Geoffrey Richardson, Deidre Lilly, Mark Richardson, Lisa Gaudreault, Bill Spooner III, Katie Odenbaugh, Christine Richardson, and Garold Richardson Jr.; thirteen great grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces; and a sister in law, Harriet Richardson of Orange.
Charles was predeceased by an infant, James, a son, Chalres Jr., a granddaughter, Nancy Richardson, a brother, Bill Richardson, and a sister, Thelma Barnes.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday morning, August 9, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, with interment following in South Cemetery, Orange.
There will be no formal service.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either the Gardner VNA, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA 02451.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
You may offer your sympathy or find directions online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com