AUBURN – John R. Richards, 55, of Vernon Street, Auburn, died Sunday morning, Nov. 7, at his home.

He was born in Lynwood, Calif., Jan. 11, 1949, a son of Leonard R. and Bette (Dutton) Richards. He was educated in California schools and graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1967 prior to moving to this area.

He worked as a chef for many years in the restaurant business and most recently was in food service at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was a proud member of A.A. with 15 years of sobriety. Among his favorite enjoyments were spending time with his grandsons, fishing, golfing, boating and doing crossword puzzles.

He leaves two daughters, Jaime Richards, of Livermore and Summer Richards, of San Francisco, Calif.; a son, Adam Richards, of Biddeford; his longtime companion, Kim

Richards, of Newmarket, NH; two grandsons, Izak Chapman and Jacob Richards; his mother, Bette Richards, of Bozeman, Mont.; his stepmother, Nola Richards, of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Marybeth Proudfoot of Bozeman, Mont.; a brother, Paul Richards, of Eagle Rock, Calif.; and his dog and faithful companion, “Bill.”

He was predeceased by his father, Leonard and a brother, Tom.