William Leonard Richards

William L. Richards, 74, Ferndale, died April 10, 2023 at home. Born March 13, 1949 in Johnstown. Son of the late Theodore and Betty (Manyer) Richards. Survived by loving wife of 54 years Darlene Rae (Beam); children Carl (Heather Yingling), Angie (Tim Williams), Adam; grandchildren Hannah (Dakota Sprincz), Hayley, Jacob, Allyssa, Sydney, Tyler, Emma, Elijah, Riley, Bella and Sam; great grandchildren Malia, Dax and Finley; sister Mary Bennett; brother Robert Richards (Karen); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. His hobbies included playing cards, cigars and Civil War history. He loved to travel with is wife and enjoyed playing with his dogs Odie and Shadow. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is a graduate of Johnstown High School, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Naval Senior Enlisted Academy and the Johnstown Police Academy. Bill was a U.S. Navy Veteran of Vietnam and the Gulf War. His accomplishments through out his career include: vocational instructor at Hiram G. Andrews Center, a career USN reservist, Municipal Police Officer, Upper Yoder paramedic, Chief of Police, Shade Twp., Johnstown Police academy instructor and director. His fraternal affiliations include F.O.P #98, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, Fleet Reserve Association, NRA, and lifetime member of Ferndale VFD. Friends will be received Thursday from 2-7 PM at Henderson Funeral Home, East Hills. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Pastor Michael Van Dyke. Interment Oak Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 155. Henderson Funeral Home, East Hills, 2503 Bedford Street, is serving the family.

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