John H. Richmond

John H. Richmond, Sr., 88, of Waites Corner Road, West Kingston, died peacefully on Sunday April 3, 2011, with his devoted wife of 69 years, Georgette (Smith) Richmond, at his bedside. Born in Richmond, he was the son of the late Elmer and Elma (Lanphear) Richmond. Mr. Richmond served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1946, being stationed in Burma, China and India. After his discharge from the service, he worked as a heavy equipment operator at Davisville. He was the owner and operator of John H. Richmond and Sons for many years before his retirement. After returning from the war he joined the South Kingstown Ambulance Corp. and was a member for several years during the 1940’s and 50’s. Also at that time he joined the Union Fire District, specifically, the Wakefield Fire Department. He was instrumental in the formation of the West Kingston Fire Department, serving as Captain from 1978 to 1983 when he became a Deputy Chief of the Union Fire District before retiring in 1993. John loved animals and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was also known to be quite a good card player, as many friends can attest to. John and Georgette were known to always have a vegetable garden or two in their yard. Many family, friends and neighbors were the benefactors of a good crop. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons and two daughters, John Jr. and his wife Margaret of Peace Dale, Roy and his wife Gail of West Kingston, Cynthia Farrell and Dale Richmond both of South Kingstown; nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Lovingly known as the “Mayor of West Kingston”, John will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Fire Station of your choice in the South Kingstown Union Fire District. Visiting hours will be held Thursday April 7, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 7:00 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.