Bernard “Ben” Richards, age 98 of Westminster died Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Golden Crest Assisted Living in Westminster. He was born September 4, 1910 in Buffalo, NY the son of the late Walter and Victoria Grabowski Zdrojewski. He was the husband of Stephanie “Stevie” R. Liskiewicz Richards, his wife of 75 years. He worked in management at Houdaille Industries and retired in 1972 as a supervisor. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church and a former member St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Buffalo, NY and Queen of Martyrs Church in Cheektowaga, NY. He devoted many years volunteering especially thru CYO. He was a basketball referee and coach and baseball coach at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He was active in the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent DePaul Society and Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Dan Rafferty of Finksburg and son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ellen Richards of Phoenix, AZ; sisters Mildred Domzalski and Dorothy Mucha both of Buffalo, NY; grandchildren, Mike Rafferty and wife Brenda, Steve Rafferty and wife Monica and Kathy Kelly and husband Mike; also survived by seven great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three sisters.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster with Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano as celebrant and Msgr. Francis Weldgen as co-celebrant.
Inurnment will follow at Meadow Branch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic Church, c/o St. Vincent DePaul Society, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster, MD 21157.
Arrangements are by the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Westminster.
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In addition to his wife he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Dan Rafferty of Finksburg and son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ellen Richards of Phoenix, AZ; sisters Mildred Domzalski and Dorothy Mucha both of Buffalo, NY; grandchildren, Mike Rafferty and wife Brenda, Steve Rafferty and wife Monica and Kathy Kelly and husband Mike; also survived by seven great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three sisters.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster with Msgr. Arthur F. Valenzano as celebrant and Msgr. Francis Weldgen as co-celebrant.
Inurnment will follow at Meadow Branch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic Church, c/o St. Vincent DePaul Society, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster, MD 21157.
Arrangements are by the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Westminster.