Kendall Read Richardson

Kendall Read Richardson, of Needham, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 7th at the age of 89. Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late C. Read and Lucille (Kendall) Richardson. He grew up in Manchester, CT, graduated from Brown University in 1953 and received his Masters from the University of Connecticut. On August 6, 1955, he married the “love of his life”, Betty (Stevens).

He began his teaching career in Glastonbury, CT, and was awarded a John Hay Fellowship at Harvard University. In 1968, Mr. Richardson and his family moved to Needham, MA, where he began his career teaching History at Needham High School, retiring in 1993. For many years he was known at Needham High for the carnation he wore every day on his lapel. He loved history, current events and teaching which inspired him to travel to the former USSR with students on several occasions. Mr. Richardson was a contributor to the book “From Russia to USSR: A Narrative and Documentary History” in 1985.  After his retirement, Kendall worked as a teller at the then named,  Needham Co-Operative Bank in Medfield.

Kendall loved the dunes at West Dennis Beach and the rocky coast of Maine, especially Ogunquit. He enjoyed spending time in his yard growing flowers, feeding the birds and relaxing with a book in his lounge chair. He was an avid reader and book collector. Always an educator, he showered his grandchildren with books and educational experiences and loved reading to them when they were young. 

He was the beloved husband of 63+ years to Betty (Stevens) Richardson and the much loved father of Karen Richardson of Northborough and Diane Blair and her fiancé Daniel Kravitz of Chelmsford. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Margaret V. “Peggy" Richardson and grandson Evan Henderson. He was a wonderful Granddad to Anthony Richardson, Katie Henderson, William Henderson, Lexi Blair, Kenny Blair, Elizabeth Blair and Julia Blair. He also leaves his grand and great grand dogs who brought him much joy with their visits, photos and stories of their antics.

He had a kind, thoughtful heart and was always there for family and friends in need. We will miss his love, support, encouragement, humor and the dry wit which he never lost.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kendall Read Richardson, please visit our floral store.