Bruce L. Richardson

Bruce Libby Richardson of Cheshire, CT died peacefully at home on December 20, 2019, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Stephanie (Crispino) Richardson, his three loving daughters, Libby Richardson, Marin Ranta, and Jayna Richardson, his son-in-law Sean Ranta, and two granddaughters, Edith and June Ranta.

Bruce was born on August 8, 1946 in Portland, ME. After graduating from South Portland High School in 1965, he attended Southern Connecticut State College where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as his 6th year certification in school administration. He was an earth science teacher at Cheshire High School for 36 years and taught his friends and family about rocks, stars, and oceans in his spare time. He took his students rock climbing at Ragged Mountain and on field trips to Hammonasset Beach, and loved showing the movie Space Camp in class. He managed the peer tutoring program at the high school and, after retiring in 2005, returned to serve as chair of the science department for one year.

Over the years he also worked as a lifeguard, chimney sweep, house painter, and auto parts delivery driver. He was a band parent and longtime volunteer with the CHS Marching Ram Band and Winterguard. “Mr. Rich” ran into friends and was recognized by former students everywhere he went.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, incredible generosity, and big heart. He was always ready and willing to help his family, friends, and neighbors. He loved being entertained by his granddaughters, vacationing in Maine, swimming, reading books by Nicholas Sparks and Clive Cussler, birdwatching, golfing, chopping firewood, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching Hallmark movies, gardening, playing cards, and drinking Coors Light.

He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Stella Crispino; his sisters Donna Kelley, Jan Bosse, and Cynthia Elliott; his brother Scott Richardson; his brothers-in-law Jim and Andy Crispino; several more brothers- and sisters-in-law, and so many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Barbara (Libby) Richardson and his brother, Gary Richardson.

Special thanks to his neurologist and friend, Dr. Michelle Dagostine; his compassionate caregiver, Claudia; our hospice nurse, Angelica; his occupational, physical, and speech therapists; and the many amazing friends and family who visited him regularly.

Friends and family are invited to offer remembrances of Bruce on January 4, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home in Cheshire. His family will receive guests beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Audubon Society, the Cheshire Public Library, or the East Coast Greenway Alliance. Bruce’s ashes will be scattered in the places he loved most.