Obituary of Gerald D. Richards, Jr.

Richards, Gerald D., Jr. Age 55 of Horseheads passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by family on Friday, February 24, 2017. Jerry was born in Corning, NY to Gerald Richards and Sylvia (ReSue) Smith. His family includes his fiancé and best friend, Angie Arcovio; father, Gerald (Nancy) Richards Sr. of Big Flats, NY; daughter and sons, Jen (Joe) Wheeler of Horseheads, Chad Richards of Scranton, PA, Joseph Romen of Horseheads; grandchildren, Hannah and Anthony; brothers, Guy (Lisa) Ryerson, and Donald Ryerson; niece, Valerie Richards of Charlotte, NC; several aunts; uncles; cousins; and a host of friends and family; also predeceased by brother, Scott Richards; and mother, Sylvia Smith. Jerry was a graduate of Horseheads High School class of 1980. He was employed by the Village of Elmira Heights as an equipment operator. He also worked with Buster and Larry Vanderhoff, Dana Stermer and Narde Paving. Jerry was a member of Big Flats American Legion. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and spending time with family. He also enjoyed boating, NASCAR and riding his Harley. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., Horseheads on Monday February 27, 2017 from 2-4:00 and again from 6-7:00 pm. His service will be celebrated there at the funeral home at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 pm. The Rev. Troy Preston officiating. Burial in Rural Home Cemetery on Tuesday at 3:00 pm. Those wishing may remember Jerry with memorials to Jeff Gordon’s Children’s Foundation, 1310 South Tyron St., Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28203; 980-999-5151; www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org Condolences and remembrances at www.barberfuneralhome.com