R. Randolph Richmond Jr.

R. Randolph Richmond, Jr., philanthropist, real estate developer, art connoisseur and avid traveler, died on November 15, 2018 at the age of 95. He was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from New Orleans Academy and Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Robin Berckes Richmond, two children, Pamela Richmond Burck and Robert R. Richmond, III (Clair). He is also survived by five grandchildren: Christian Richmond Burck (Jennifer), Robin Marlette Burck, Elizabeth Burck Guiza (Timothy), Robert R. Richmond, IV (Jordana), and Christopher Miller Richmond, and five great-grandchildren: Julian Richmond Burck, Henry Labourdette Burck, Edward Aviragnet Burck, John Wesley Richmond, and Hailey Elizabeth Guiza.

Mr. Richmond was a real estate developer, and developed Beverly Hills and Cenacle Heights residential subdivisions, and was active in the Pontchartrain Gardens subdivision. He also developed many shopping centers, office buildings, and warehouses in New Orleans, Metairie and Mandeville.

Mr. Richmond volunteered for the Army in 1942. He landed in Normandy in World War II and was a staff sergeant squad leader in the COB 413th Infantry Regiment, the 104th “Timberwolf” Infantry Division. He received a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 Bronze Star Medals for exemplary conduct in combat action in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. He was wounded three times and also received the Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and many other awards. Mr. Richmond was award the French Legion of Honor for his contribution to the liberation of France in World War II. Mr. Richmond has given his Wartime Memoirs and an original certificate of the Legion of Honor, signed by the President of France, to the Museum.

Mr. Richmond was an accomplished skier having skied in Europe, South America, and Canada, including Beaver Creek and Aspen, Colorado.

Mr. Richmond is a member of Sons of the Revolution serving as President, Founders & Patriots serving as Governor, Society of Colonial Wars, Magna Charta Barons serving as National Herald, President of the Louisiana Chapter, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, and other organizations.

Mr. Richmond was a former member of the New Orleans Country Club, Timberlane Country Club, the Bienville Club, International House, France-Amerique, and several carnival organizations serving on the Board of four of these groups. He was also a member of the Military Order of Foreign Wars, the Southern Yacht Club, and Society of the Purple Heart.

In 2000, Mr. Richmond donated over 300 pieces of Chinese ceramics to the New Orleans Museum of Art. His extensive Chinese ceramics collection was exhibited from February through April 2005 at the Museum. He was President of the Fellows of N.O.M.A. and was on the Board of Directors for several years. He was made Honorary Life Member of the Board and given a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board.

In 2011, Mr. Richmond financed the cost of the shipping of Hitler’s Atlantic Sea Wall to the National World War II Museum. He is a founding member and has been a major donor to the Museum since its inception.

Private service and burial were held at Metairie Cemetery on Saturday, November 17.

Memorial donations may be made to the National World World II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, 70130.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com