William Richardson: An Example of a Life Well Lived

William Richardson, a life-long resident of Newburgh, NY entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2022 at Vassar Brother’s Hospital, Poughkeepsie, NY. He was 65.

William was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, NY on November 20, 1956 to the late Willie and Naomi Richardson.

William was educated in the Newburgh Enlarged City School System and is a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy (NFA). He furthered his education at Sullivan County Community College, graduating as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. He continued his studies at the University of Buffalo as a Pre-Med Student. Here, he became a part of the Omega Psi-Phi Fraternity – the Q Family. In 1979 he graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute School of Mortuary Science in New York, NY, receiving his Funeral Director’s License. Almost forty years later, William continued to work in his profession.

William Richardson and Mt. Carmel Pastor Elder Thermond E. Herring prior to the service on Sunday, January 9, 2011 for the Initial Sermon of Deacon William Richardson at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Newburgh, NY. Hudson Valley Press File/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
William Richardson and Mt. Carmel Pastor Elder Thermond E. Herring prior to the service on Sunday, January 9, 2011 for the Initial Sermon of Deacon William Richardson at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Newburgh, NY. Hudson Valley Press File/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

As a Mortician, William worked for several funeral homes in New York City and last with Rhodes Funeral Home in New Windsor and Poughkeepsie, NY.

William was an outstanding, dedicated, life-long member of the Mt. Carmel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ under the leadership of Pastor, Elder Dr. Thermond E. Herring. As a youth, he was a member of the Sunday School, Youth Choir and Disciples of Christ Youth Fellowship (DCYF). He was also a member of the Male Chorus and had lead in a song entitled: “I’ve Been Searching.” Most recently, he was a Bible Class Instructor for the Journey Into Discipleship Class.

In 1998 he was ordained as a Deacon and served as Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board a position he held for over ten years. On June 2, 2001 William received his Bachelors of Theology then on June 7, 2003 his Master’s Degree in Theology both from the Community Bible Institute of Poughkeepsie, NY.

After hearing and accepting the call from God, William preached his initial sermon on January 9, 2011. His subject was “Restoration.” Scripture text Jeremiah 18:4. On September 18, 2014, he was ordained as an Elder.

Mt. Carmel pastor Elder Thermond E. Herring presents Minister William Richardson with a Bible following his Initial Sermon on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Newburgh, NY. Hudson Valley Press File/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
Mt. Carmel pastor Elder Thermond E. Herring presents Minister William Richardson with a Bible following his Initial Sermon on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Newburgh, NY. Hudson Valley Press File/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

He completed courses in the Northeastern District Assembly such as: Biblical Counseling, Evangelism, and was a member of the Counsel Board.

Elder Richardson’s community affiliations include: New York State Funeral Directors Association, Orange, Rockland and Sullivan Counties Funeral Directors Association, Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam Counties Funeral Directors Association, and the NAACP Newburgh/Highland Falls Branch, Board of Directors Independent Living Newburgh, Board of Directors City of Newburgh 21st Century Parent Advisory Board, Advisory Board for Newburgh Sunrise Coalition for Youth, Board of Directors AMORE House and a member of the Omega Psi Fi Fraternity. Most recently, he studied to become a Chaplain for Westchester Medical Center.

All know Elder Richardson for his quick wit and charm. To know him was to love him. His favorite Scripture was Psalms 34:1 – “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Elder Richardson is now wearing his crown. To those he leaves, who knew him well, he was a king, who wore his entitlement by faith with much dignity and respect. The GRACE with which he carried himself could not be overlooked. He wore his success as a garment of praise. Elder Richardson was a man of impeccable character. He was known for his showmanship with his sharp attire.

His wife, Mrs. Carolyn Richardson, and he were a power couple. He and she were strong in faith. Their faith earned its place both in community and society by the workmanship of their character.

William was a man of impeccable taste. He was well known in his township and community. He was more than his profession, he had a servant’s heart, but his leadership was where his service was most noted. His support and care for those he served will be most remembered as his vocation.

His parents Willie and Naomi Richardson were the proud parents who prepared him for the journey ahead. Surely, they and his siblings, Linda, Michael and Gretchen celebrate the legacy he leaves. He will be a hard act to follow, but certainly his mom and dad rejoice in knowing all their children have strong relationships with Christ. His extended family, friends and all who shared reflections of the spiritually filled young man who brought so much joy to so many every day, will attest that he fulfilled his destiny on earth. “Faith it until you make it” was his motto.

He leaves to mourn: his lovely wife: Carolyn Richardson of Poughkeepsie, NY. Two sisters: Linda Adams of Fairburn, GA and Gretchen Melvin of Austell, GA. One brother: Michael Richardson (Nedra) of Winchester, VA. One son: Dennis Pearson (Michelle) of Middletown, NY. One daughter: Delphine Powell of Fishkill, NY. Two nephews: Rodney Adams and Monte Crews of GA. One niece: Tosha Felder (Troy) of Lakewood, CA. Two God daughters: Quantica Bennett (James) of Wappinger Falls, NY and Alondra Young of Elmont, NY. Godmother: Daphne Faison (Isaac) of Fayetteville, NC. God brother: Maurice Williams (Veronica) of New Windsor, NY. Two God sisters: Robyn Williams of Newburgh, NY and Donya Williams of Los Angeles, CA. A host of grandchildren, his church family, Two Special Friends: Nancy Maise (Bernard) of Modena, NY and Ralph Coates (Denise) of Atlanta, GA and many, many friends.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Juanita Richardson; son, Brian Owens; Parents, Willie and Naomi Richardson.

Mrs. Carolyn Richardson, family, extended family and friends bid you a heartfelt, loving farewell. May the journey ahead be greater than anything you could ever imagine. Your life bears witness to your legacy. You will be loved and treasured always. Godspeed.

Elder Richardon will have a walkthrough 9-11:00 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022 at Mt. Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, 1524 Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550. Homegoing Celebration 11:00 a.m. at the church. Elder Dr. Thermond E. Herring will officiate. (Face Mask REQUIRED). Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, NY. Professional services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes, 259 Walsh Ave., New Windsor, NY. “Committed To Being The Very Best” Call us anytime 569-1233.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email