Paul S. Richards, Sr.

Paul S. Richards, Sr., 91, of Oak Hill Manor, and formerly of Longview and Bundy Rd., died on March 2nd, 2014. He was born on February 15, 1923 in Ithaca to the late Archie Warren Richards and Rachel Harvey Richards. Paul was predeceased by Josephine, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 69 years, and by his brother, Warren F. Richards.

He is survived by his children, Bonnie (Ralph) Gestwicki and Paul S. (Maureen) Richards, Jr.; his grandson, Paul S. (Brittany) Richards, III; his sister-in-law, Marguerite Richards and numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul was a graduate of Ithaca High School, member of Immaculate Conception Church, retired from National Cash Register, and a member of V.F.W. Post 961. During World War II he served in the Army Air Force as a Staff Sargeant and gunner on a B-17, flying 30 missions in Europe with the 452nd Bomb Group. Paul was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Oakleaf Clusters and a Presidential Citation. He was an avid Yankees, Cornell and Ithaca College sports fan, golfed and bowled in leagues and enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach and Florida.

The family is grateful to Dr. John Costello for his care over the years and to the staff of Oak Hill Manor.

Private services will be held at the Bangs Funeral Home at the convenience of the family. Interment with military honors will be held at the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donatiions in Paul's memory may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Church.