John Francis Richardson

John met Peggy, his loving wife of 60 years, at Shoney’s and thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. He later married her in Newport News, VA, on March 3, 1962. During those 60 years, John and Peggy were rarely apart.

John graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in Indiana and enlisted in the United States Army following graduation. Military service brought John to Virginia. He was stationed at Patrick Henry Nike Site serving as a Sentry Dog Handler.

As a stipulation for permission to marry, Peggy’s parents told John he was not to move her out of Virginia; thus, ending his military career. John was honorably discharged from the United States Army in November 1965. Following his military service, John gained employment with Newport News Shipbuilding, where he would retire at the age of 67. He would spend the majority his career as a foreman over nuclear pipe welding. He had great pride in his work and enjoyed teaching his craft.

John is survived by a son, David Richardson (Jeanette); a daughter, Cathy Paul; 7 grandchildren – Jake Richardson, Hayden Richardson, Bryce Richardson, Michael Truitt (Carla), Ashley Ragsdale (Philip), Lindsey Truitt, Heather Colley (Mitch); 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, William Richardson (Cindy); a brother-in-law, Donald Ferguson (Suzy); and many nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Peggy; a daughter, Jonna Richardson; a grandson, Patrick McKinley; sister, Patsy Theur; and four brothers-in-law – Jerry Ferguson, Olvin T. Ferguson, Ronald Ferguson, and Tony Ferguson.

A visitation will be held September 22, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. A funeral mass will occur Monday, September 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church’s St. Michael Hall, 144 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA 23601, followed by an entombment at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton.