Frank Alton Richardson passed away peacefully on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2021, at the age of 88. It was a fitting last farewell for a faithful patriot. He retired as a United States Navy Captain after serving 26 years, and was proud of his service with the Seabees. He was born on May 23, 1933, in Niagara Falls, New York.
Frank earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics from New York University. An accomplished engineer and executive, he designed and supervised numerous recognized projects in Massachusetts, Maine, Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In 1989, he established his own engineering consulting firm. After retirement in 2000, he continued his love of service to his community, along with his wife, Jan, as Red Cross Disaster Relief volunteers responding to numerous disasters including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Frank met the love of his life, Jan, at Bucknell University, and they were married 65 years. They moved many times, but his most loved homes were Wayzata, Minnesota, and Kennebunkport, Maine. A diehard Patriots fan, with a dry sense of humor, he loved to wear his Patriots cap in Cowboys country. He was lovingly known for his state of the art woodworking shop and his meticulous attention to detail for the simplest of home projects.
Of all his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. Frank is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jan Richardson of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Wendy Richardson of New York, New York, and Lori Marshall and husband, Rick, of McKinney, Texas; son, John Richardson and wife, Dana, of Hillsborough, North Carolina; grandchildren, Will Richardson, Lori Sides and husband, Parker, and Holly LaCroix and husband, Justin; and 5 great-grandchildren.
A gentle giant with always a kind word of appreciation, his family would like to thank the compassionate and dignified care he received from Legacy Willow Bend Skilled Nursing Facility, Plano, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Legacy Willow Bend Skilled Nursing Facility. In honor of Frank’s wishes, the family will hold a private military service.