Douglas V. Richardson

Douglas V. Richardson, 72, of Derry passed away Friday morning while sleeping peacefully beside his beloved wife, Ruthie. They had recently travelled to their winter home on Merritt Island, Florida where they, along with their life-long best friends, Kathy and Frank Crispin, were joyfully helping to get the house and his boat ready for their next big winter adventures.

Born at Latrobe Hospital to Vaughn and Yolanda (Santarelli) Richardson, he was a member of Derry High School class of '63. Doug retired several years ago from his passion and great love as a builder. He was the owner of Richardson Construction for 40 plus years, always making his home in Derry. After retiring, he spent many hours in his woodshop, designing and building gorgeous furniture that graced the home he built in Derry. He also treasured the hours spent completely remodeling their second home in Florida.

Always the laughing, fearless teenager at heart, he met every challenge of his life with confidence and enthusiasm, embracing his work and loving every aspect of it.

Doug was the 'fearless leader' of life's exploits. He was first in line to ride the scariest amusement park ride, the first off the high dive at the pool, and the first, (as well as the last) on the dance floor.

Doug and Ruthie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last November 18th. The high school sweethearts built Doug's business together, designed and built their home on the lake in Derry, and lovingly tended to their gardens and yard together.

With all of his accomplishments and successes, he made it well known that the best thing that ever happened to him (second only to marrying his best girl) was the birth of his precious daughter, Nicole. A chip off the old block, she gave him more pride, joy, and love than any Daddy could ever hope for. Never one to be outdone, Nicole then placed his beautiful little granddaughter, Riley, in his arms, and it was love at first sight. She was his new 'Little Snooky', his fishing buddy, his construction helper, and his captive audience for storytelling.

Doug lived life on his terms, jumping into every new adventure with both feet, laughing and confident that all would be well. He faced his final foes with the same determination and fight, but sometimes the Lord has other plans. I imagine God saw the frustration, the weariness, and the pain in Doug's eyes and decided it was time he came home. Although it will leave a huge vacuum for all who loved him, we will rejoice in the knowledge that he is breathing easy now, laughing again, and barking out a few orders to St. Peter about the construction of his new heavenly home.

Doug is also survived by his sister, Denise Swarner and her husband Bruce of Arizona, and their son Cory and his wife Kelly of Greensburg, several aunts, many cousins, and all his shared and loved Crispin girls and their families and children.

Friends will be received Friday from 3-6 pm in the McCabe Funeral Home, 300 W. Third Avenue, Derry where a service will be conducted Saturday at 11am with the Reverend Don Graff officiating. Interment will follow in the Coles Cemetery, Derry.

Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.