James Richardson Obituary, Death – Thomas James Richardson and Marie Gordon Richardson were James’ parents when he was born on May 5, 1947, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His father had died before him. In addition to his mother, wife Deidre Haley Richardson, son Thomas (and partner David Randall), daughter Laurie Baker (and husband James), sister Susan Hecker (and husband Ed), brother Scott Richardson (and wife MaryAnn), nephews Brian Kochenash and Greg Richardson, and in-law Edmund Haley, he is also survived by his mother.
Michael played varsity football and wrestling while attending William Allen High School, where he also served as the class treasurer. He graduated from there in 1965. He attended East Stroudsburg State College after high school, where he majored in education and was active in the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. He graduated with a B.S. and an M.Ed. from the school. At Penn State University, he also finished the certification program for athletic trainers.
He spent 34 years as a teacher at Emmaus High School. He served as the football and wrestling coach during his time there and later was hired to serve as the school’s first licensed athletic trainer. He certified thousands of his health class pupils as CPR instructors. He spent 14 years as an assistant athletic trainer at Muhlenberg College before finally retiring.
He competed in neighborhood races, was an active member of the Lehigh Valley Road Runners, and held the position of Vice President on the organization’s board while residing in the Lehigh Valley. He actively ran in the Seashore Striders Running Club’s Summer Series for 24 years while they were in Delaware at their beach house, volunteering his time when he wasn’t participating.
Most recently, he and his 53-year-old wife divided their time between the states of Florida and Delaware. The “Snow Birds” were them. He and his wife were residing in Florida at the time of his passing, where he lavished attention on his pets while leading an active lifestyle that included biking with the Solivita cycle club, running with friends, and occasionally playing golf alongside his wife.