John F. Richardson ’65
John F. Richardson ’65 died on February 25 in Somerset, New Jersey, from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. He came to Dartmouth from North Plainfield, New Jersey. He was social chairman of Delta Upsilon and a member of Sphinx and of Palaeopitus. Always active as an alumnus, he was the first president of the class of ’65 after graduation. He received his J.D. from Rutgers and returned to his hometown of North Plainfield. John served on the borough council, board of education, and recreation commission. In addition, he also made time to coach Little League, softball, and soccer and started North Plainfield’s first summer leagues for baseball and softball. He was a positive influence on all the kids whose lives he touched. John’s private law practice spanned almost 50 years. He was a Somerset County Superior Court judge, municipal court judge for a half-dozen towns, borough attorney for the towns of Manville and Bound Brook, as well as the attorney for the Somerset County planning board. Throughout his career he gained the respect and admiration of his peers, mentors, and adversaries. He was a positive influence in the lives of countless individuals but of all these achievements the one he held dearest to his heart was that of a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, June; daughter Amy and husband Sandy; son John Jr. and wife Kate; and four grandsons.
