William Richards

William “Bill” Richards, age 79 of New Albany, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023. Bill was born on May 19, 1943, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to the late George and Margaret (Whittle) Richards and was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, where he met his wife Barbara in college. He was a beloved husband of 55 years to Barbara, dear father of Jennifer (Ted) Hathaway and Brian (Kristen) Richards, grandfather of Christian, Sarah and Isabelle, and brother to Saranne (Paul) Good.

His life reflected a deep love for family, friends and church. He became involved with the Kairos Prison Ministry and was active at Worthington United Methodist Church. He made his friends a priority and valued their friendships greatly. Whether getting together for a meal, doing an activity or just calling to check in, he was always available to have fun or just listen if need be. His family was everything to him and his love knew no bounds. Always ready to do something fun or be a sturdy rock, he was always there. Bill loved everything outdoors from camping and backpacking to white water rafting and biking. A lover of physical activity, he ran a marathon and did 2 rides of 180 miles and 50 miles for Pelotonia. He also loved the blue sky and became an instrument rated pilot of a small, single engine plane, soaring the sky like an eagle. He had a love of music, especially classical and soft jazz, enjoying evenings at the symphony. Throughout his life he had an intense curiosity of how things work, and he loved to experiment. This led to him getting a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan, a masters in business at Case Western Reserve and a law degree at University of Toledo, becoming a patent attorney owning his own firm.

Visitation will be Friday, March 10 from 5-7 pm at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, Ohio. A funeral service will take place Saturday, March 11 at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High St., Worthington, Ohio at 11:00 am. Family will receive guests before the service beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to Worthington United Methodist Church Endowment in William Richards’ name, or Kairos Prison Ministry will be accepted in his honor.