Obituaries

Thomas Zehner Richards, 94, a resident of Danville PA for the past three years and formerly of Boylston MA for 50 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Emmanuel Center for Nursing in Danville PA. He was born December 26, 1928, in Lansford PA, the son of the late Thomas B. and Mary Georgine Zehner Richards.

He graduated from John Harris High School and received his BSCE from Penn State University in 1951, where he was a member of the Penn State Blue Band and Beta Theta Pi.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sally Ann Morse Richards. They were married in 1953.

Tom was employed as a Safety Engineer for Norton Company for 40 years where he met his wife.

He had a passion for music, especially percussion, for his family that he adored and above all, golf. Not only was he an accomplished drummer, but he also grew up playing nearly every musical instrument with two of history’s most famous jazz musicians, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. Their father, Mr. Dorsey, was his teacher. Still, it was not his musical talent that made his way of life. It was his thankfulness and his respect for all people that he will be most remembered for.

Tom is survived by three sons: Dana Richards and his partner Cathryn Mezynski of Massachusetts, Keith Richards of Texas and Brad Richards of New Jersey. Also surviving are his grandchildren; Katelyn Richards, Julia Richards and Amanda Brown and her husband Jarrod who together have the only great-grandchild, Logan Brown. Also surviving are his twin sisters: Geraldine Marks and her husband Robert L. of Danville PA and Georgine Patt and her husband Doug of Allentown PA and one brother, David Richards and his wife Mary Ann of Danville PA. He was preceded in death by one brother, Frank Richards, sister-in-law, Jackie Richards and one daughter-in-law, Laurie.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 4:00 PM Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA. Friends will be received from 3:00 PM until 3:45 PM.

Burial and a graveside service will be held in the Rural Cemetery in Southborough MA.

www.visneski.com.