John Thomas Richards
July 2, 1953 to July 5, 2026
Obituary
John Thomas Richards, of Paradise, aged 73, passed peacefully away on July 5, 2026, at the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 2, 1953, in St. John’s, he was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Mona Richards.
He leaves to mourn his cherished wife and best friend of 51 years, Diane (née Lawlor); his children, Daphne (David), Glenda (Cory), and Shane; and his grandchildren, Dylan, Maddie, Monica, Marissa, Mary-Beth, Dustin, Ethan, Brooks, Carter, and Catey. He is also survived by his devoted siblings, Bill, Ron, Fred, Rita, Michael, Paul, Rosann, and Joe; and his devoted in-laws and special friends, Cindy and Pat Curtis.
John upheld impeccable values and prioritized his roles as parent, husband, brother, and son above all else. A blue-collar worker by trade, he was an academic at heart, with passions for genealogy, politics, the stock market, and local history. A road trip, cod-jigging, time spent cultivating his property, and listening to stories of his grandchildren invariably brought a smile to his face.
The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Rorke and his team at the HJ Bliss Cancer Clinic, and to the many doctors and nurses at the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre who supported him in the community and on the Palliative Care Unit.
In accordance with John’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Donations can be made in his memory to The Rooms to honor the time he spent at the archives and so that others can find as much joy and value in all it has to offer.
https://therooms.ca/get-involved/donations
Rita and family, so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing, our condolences and prayers. May he RIP.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
May John rest peacefully.
So sorry for the loss of your father Daphne. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Dianne and family So sorry to hear of John’s passing ,my prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Rita and family
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Diane and family.
Sincerest condolences. I hope your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.
Our heartfelt condolences to Diane and the entire Richards family. We were saddened to learn of John’s passing. We will always remember his warm hospitality, kindness, and generosity during our visits, as well as the shared enjoyment of our family genealogy. May your treasured memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Leo Corbeil & Brigitte Barault
Diane and family. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. For those who knew and went to school with John, knew what a kind and gentle person he was. Cherish all the beautiful memories you have made over the years. My condolences to you and your family.
Sharon (Lawlor) Morgan
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to each of you as you grieve this tremendous loss. With our deepest sympathy and love, Carol Ann & Rick
Diane and Family our Condolences .John was a gentle Man
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dad😔Daphne .My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God surround you with His love and give you the strength to bear this loss. Love Chichi
My sincere condolences to you Diane and to your family and friends on John’s passing. May his soul rest in peace.
Marguerite