Obituary for APWU National, Local, and Retiree Officer and Activist John P. Richards

Posted on June 1, 2023June 8, 2023 by 21cpw

John P. Richards, 85, of Slovan, Smith Township, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in his home.

John was born on July 23, 1937, in South Side, Pittsburgh, a son of the late John and Marie Bauer Richards.

Mr. Richards graduated from South High School in Pittsburgh. After graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and honorably served from 1954 to 1958. He was proud of his time in the service and was honored to serve his country.

After his time in the military, John worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1959 to 1992. He spent most of his career as the President of the Pittsburgh Metro Area Postal Workers Union. John was elected as the Director of Industrial Relations of the American Postal Workers Union and spent three years in Washington, DC. After retirement, John served as the President of the Pittsburgh Area Retiree Chapter of the American Postal Workers Union. The Union was truly his life.

John did find some time for his other passion, sailing. After retirement he was able to live in his sailboat off Lake Erie during those beautiful summer months. He loved being on the water and enjoyed the scenes around him. Life was so peaceful on the boat and he lived for moments like that.

Surviving are his wife, Charlotte Dubich Richards, daughter, Lynn (Glenn) Garafola of New Jersey, granddaughter, Cristina (Thomas Keating) Garafola, grandson, Nicholas Garafola, and great granddaughter, Emily Grace Keating.

Along with his parents, John is preceded in death by his son John D. Richards.

Inurnment will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 106 St. John St., Midway (724-796-3301).