George H. “Joe” Richardson

George Richardson

George H. “Joe” Richardson – 66 – of 451 Pleasant Valley Road, Alfred Station died unexpectedly Thursday morning (December 9, 2021) at his home.  He was a resident of St Petersburg, FL.

Born in Bangor, ME on February 7, 1955 and was the son of George Richardson and Carolyn “Pat” (O’Connor) Richardson.

Joe grew up in Hornell and later resided in Treasure Island, FL for several years.  He returned to Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1973).  He was a member of the Hornell Red Raider Swim Team and also a member of the of the school band.

He was hired at Alfred State College in 1980 in the Building Trades Department. While working at Alfred State College, he earned his Associates Degree from Empire College. He was a full time Professor and was later promoted to Chair and also served as the Dean of Alfred State College, Wellsville Division. He retired after 37 years of service. Joe was an extraordinarily skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker. He designed custom pieces for many members of the community and in his own homes.

Joe was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell, where he was as an altar server. He was a member of the G. Carducci Lodge Sons of Italy in Hornell and the Italian American Society of St Petersburg.

Having a passion for the water and water activities, Joe would often be found swimming laps at the YMCA. He was a certified scuba diving instructor and taught diving classes at Alfred State College. As a master certified diver, Joe enjoyed diving in the ocean and in the Finger Lakes.  He also served as a swim official for local swim meets for many years.

Joe enjoyed sports and especially loved rooting for the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and the Buffalo Bills.  He also enjoyed college basketball and football and was a Syracuse, Florida State & Clemson fan.

Having many hobbies, Joe enjoyed gardening, especially growing garlic and peppers. He loved the craft of wine making and sharing a glass with friends. Joe had a passion for music, he played the saxophone and acoustic guitar, and he enjoyed live music and attending concerts. He loved to help his community and would often volunteer at the Tampa Bay Watch.

Joe was married on August 2, 1980 to the former René Porcaro who survives.  Also surviving are two daughters, Julie (Philip) Rubin of Tallahassee, FL and Jill (Craig) Reeves of Hanahan, SC; one brother, Steve Richardson of Brockport, NY; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Carolyn.

The family of George H. “Joe” Richardson will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM  – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

The Funeral Mass for Joe will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone will be required to wear a facemask at the Dagon Funeral Home and at St. Ann’s Church.  Your cooperation is appreciated!

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

15 Responses to “George H. “Joe” Richardson”

  1. Linda Borkowski says:

    Joe you will be missed terribly by those who knew and loved you. Your kindness and smile always made everything better. Your wonderful wife and kind accomplished daughters are a testament of what a wonderful person you were. The world lost someone special.

  2. Gary & Lynne Brokaw says:

    We are sorry to hear about your loss . Our thoughts and prayers for the entire Richardson family during this difficult time.

  3. Helen Griffiths Murray says:

    We are so saddened to hear about Joe. Prayers for comfort. Hid spirit will always be with you. Love and hugs. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💔

  4. Amanda Richardson says:

    Uncle Joe,

    We love you and will miss you terribly.

  5. Dennis Prutsman says:

    Very surprised and stunned by Joes sudden passing. Having worked with him for many years at the college he was a skilled craftsman and instructor who passed his craft on to many students in his long career. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rene and his girls who were his life, as well as his entire family at this most difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.

  6. Annette Pardi says:

    You have been an anchor to many.

    Your friendship, kindness, and giving ways will be sorely missed.
    The talent you leave behind -with your skillful carpentry -can never be replaced.

    Your wife, Rene is a replica of you.

    Your daughters- Julie and Jill are partially who they are today because of you.
    Your legacy will continue through them.

    Thank you for always being there for me and Ange.
    We miss you terribly.
    I raise my glass to you, my friend. 🍷

    May you Rest In Peace, for the Heavens have received an Angle. 🙏🏼

    Love you-
    Net ♥️

  7. Constance Ehmann says:

    Joe, you will be missed. Your smile and kindness were a given and always welcomed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rene, Julie and Jill: holding the three of you close.

  8. Mary F Cartella says:

    Dear Rene, Jill, Julie and families:
    May God surround you with His love as grieve for Joe.
    Love and prayers.

  9. Marlee Cannon says:

    To the family of Joe Richardson.
    Having worked with Joe on the Wellsville campus, I feel honored to have known him.Joe had a great patience for students in his Classes and programs that had disabilities. He was a real pleasure to work with.
    I Amberly truly sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
    Marlee Cannon

  10. Mike Ronan says:

    When the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College first heard of Joe’s passing, a dark cloud hung over the whole place. Now that cloud has started to lift, as we gather and reminisce about one of our own. Joe had so many fine attributes, but one stands out. That’s class. No one had more class than our friend and colleague Joe Richardson. First class teacher, first class leader, first class friend. We’ll miss his smile, his talent and intelligence, his leadership. And most of all we’ll miss his class.

    May he rest in Peace.

  11. Mark & Denise says:

    Denise & I are extremely saddened by the loss of Joe. The time we spent with Joe and Rene in Florida have all been great times. Although we have only known Joe and Rene for the last several years, we can’t imagine Joe ever had an enemy in his life. He is truly one of the nicest guys we have ever met!

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Rene and the rest of the family!!!

    Mark Petz & Denise Price

  12. Ernie wheeler says:

    Rene-so sorry to hear about Joe. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  13. Bob & Jo Miller says:

    We are very sorry Renee, Julie and Jill for your loss. We will miss his wit as well as his gentleness along with his big smile.

  14. Caleb Richardson says:

    You’ll be missed, Uncle Joe. Renee, Julie and Jill. I love you all and miss you dearly. Joe was a great man from an amazing family. Call me or message me if you need absolutely anything <3

  15. Judy Coleman Nixon says:

    Joe was a great guy and I am sure a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Judy Coleman Nixon