Claude Louis Richards Sr. died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Frederiksted, St. Croix. He was 90 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Claude J. and Evelyn M. Richards; brothers: Arthur A. Richards (Myrna) and Russell D. Richards (Helen); sisters: Rita Grant and Alice Nielsen; nephews: Russell D. Richards Jr. and Clyde Grant.
He is survived by his wife, Aurelia W. Richards; children: Claude L. Jr., Robert E., Daryl A. Sr., Donna M., Laurence J. and Evelyn L. Richards; brothers: Donald and Claude R. Richards; sisters: Jeannette Iles and Dr. Claudette P. Richards Derrick; daughters-in-law: Paula, Genitta, Lisa and Nataki Finch Richards; son-in-law, Edward Richards; sisters-in-law: Bernice and Hanna Richards, Almida Millin and Marion Rivera; aunt-in-law, Inez Richardson; and grandchildren: Troy and Michael Richards, Paita Demery, Paul Marcus, Dorna F. Werdelin, Chimoy and Tamiika Richards, Chanel Alleyne, Jonathan Williams, Geron, Che and Daryl (Jr.) Richards, Kia (Nikki) Sharpe, Shayne, Alyx, Jodeci, Brice and Malia Richards, and Deja Bellamy.
He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews: Evelyn Brathwaite, Leroy Grant, Pamela and Avelino Samuel, Wesley and Annie Richards and family, Gregory and Almitra Richards and family, Duane and Gigi Richards and family, Aaron Derrick, Claudia, Amanuel, Daniel, Anthony, Linda, Steve and Don Richards, Jessica Williams, Geralda Nielsen, Freddy Nielsen, Beatrice and Gregory Tyler and family, Beverly, Mario, David, George and Mae Nesbitt, Ronette and Adrienne Ramos, Tsumiah Tutein, Wanda Williams and family, Marta Francis and family, Frankie Rivera and family, Raul Rivera Jr., Rafael Rivera and family, Jose Steward and family, Alfredo Venzen and family.
Other survivors include special family and friends: Christina Herbert, Claire Roker, Gordon Finch, Ira (Chico) and Leona Ross, Rick and Winifred Carrington and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph George, Rev. Father and Mrs. Thompson, Lynn and Dianah Cupid, Rosa M. Luis, Joan Sackey, Margaret Edwards, Renford Wallace, Charles and Audrey Farrell, David and Paula Isaac, Beverly Williams, Sylvester and Mary McIntosh, Felix and Cleone Llanos, Vertilee Daniel, Julia Pankey, Richard, Lenny, Earl and Andre Duval, Carolyn Galloway, Rev. Cannon Samuel Knight, the St. Paul’s Church family, Kent Moorehead and the St. Croix Big Band, Continuum Care staff: Shana Mitchell, Leona Lubrin, Carol Battuello, and Nurses Pam and Steve.
The viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at St. Paul’s Church. Interment will be at Frederiksted Cemetery. All arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.