RUMFORD – John F. Richardson Sr., 75, died Tuesday, April 29, at his residence on the East Andover Road.

He was born in Rumford on July 3, 1932, a son of Merle and Angelina (Fisher) Richardson. He was a graduate of Stephens High School, Class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Boise Cascade in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1986.

He was an individual who was proud to be an American. He believed in the backbone of the old American way. He was a believer in hard work, honesty and frugality. He came from a line of hard working individuals and was quite proud of his heritage.

He took pride in his garden and looked forward to sharing its’ produce along with a story or two with friends or strangers who happened to stop by. His patriotism was exemplified by his collection of eagles that he had acquired over the years. Nothing was without value to John.

He knew those who loved him well, and always seemed to find a treasure at a yard sale with someone else in mind. He was a true giver of the heart. He enjoyed chatting with friends and sharing stories from the past. He always had advice or words of wisdom for any who would listen along with a joke or a prank or both.

He was an avid “scrapbooker” keeping up on his grandchildren’s schooling events and sporting activities. He was very much interested in the lives of those he cared for, especially Cerese, Sandra and Pea Soup. His home was his place where one was always welcome and one was sure to be given a bit of a history lesson and told a joke or two while visiting. He embraced people. He was very much a true and loyal friend to many and a deep and saddened loss will be felt by those who knew and loved him. Any who had the gift of his friendship were truly blessed.

He enjoyed Grange dinners and senior citizens’ bus tours. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include a son, Lester Richardson and his wife, Patty, of East Andover; two daughters, Joan of Vermont, and Kathy of East Andover; two brothers, Raymond Richardson of New Hampshire, and Steve Richardson of Florida; a sister, Marie Jessup of Oregon; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his daughter-in-law, Nancy Mercier and her husband, Wayne, of Rumford.

He was predeceased by four brothers, Merle “Scotty” Richardson, Pascal “Buck” Richardson, Roger Richardson and Richard “Dick” Richardson; and two sisters, Emma Viger and Lorraine Vodola.