John G. Richards

JEFFERSON – John G. Richards, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Gordon and Elizabeth (Lawler) Richards.

John grew up in Paxton and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1966. He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army. John went on to work for 47 years at Norton Company in Worcester, ending his career as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed many years playing in the bowling league with friends from Norton Co. He was also the owner and operator of J.G. Richards Paving for over 20 years, paving residential driveways throughout Central Massachusetts.

At 23 years old, he met the love of his life, Carol A. Wujtas at a dance held at the Bancroft Club in Auburn. The two were wed in 1988, moving to Jefferson where they would reside. John loved hot rod cars, his personal collection and traveling to many car shows over the years. He enjoyed his yearly trip to the Northeast Street Rod Nationals in Burlington, VT with his wife. He always had a great sense of humor. A lover of animals, John enjoyed every minute spent with his two rescue dogs, Max and Mia.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Carol A. (Wujtas) Richards, three brothers, Glen Richards and his wife, Judith Hanlon of West Boylston, Jeffrey Richards of Paxton, Gary Richards and his wife, Pamela of Paxton; a sister, Marilyn Richards of Leominster; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 30, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, 17 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com