Michael Paul Richards, Sr

Michael Paul Richards Sr (67) of Athol, MA passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2025, at home with family and his dog Chase by his side after a long courageous battle.

Mike was born on November 21st, 1957, in Athol, MA and lived in the Athol/Orange area all his life. Graduating from Mahar in 1975 he was considered a "Jack of all trades". Working as a young boy with his Stepfather Raymond doing various construction jobs, working with Sherman and Sue Sadler at Orange Auto Body, electrical work with his best friend Bill Johnston, drove as a school bus driver, a volunteer firefighter and many bartending jobs. He spent most of his working career with the Rodney Hunt Company as a welder/fabricator for 37 years.

Mike's hobbies included stock car racing, golf, fishing, motorcycles, camping, traveling and playing cards. He raced cars at Monadnock Speedway in various divisions for many years. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, brothers and son Michael. He loved to fish with his grandson Elijah and would often call to let him know when the areas were freshly stocked. He loved camping with Karen and Chase, watching his son Lucas and grandkids play sports, playing cards at the Franco with the guys and long-haul trucking with his buddy Frank. One of his favorite memories was the concert he went to with his daughter Amanda and her husband Larry. Mike would often say that he always worked hard but played harder. No words could be more true.

Mike is survived by his partner of 25 years, Karen Gamache-Rouleau, her children Brian and Brianna Rouleau and Danielle Rouleau, his mother and stepfather Mary and Raymond Laffond of Orange, brother Mark and Christine Richards of Athol, brother Dan Richards of Orange, sister Cyndi and Dan Durand of New Salem, son Michael and Marisa Richards of Athol, Daughter Amanda and Larry Hill of Winchendon, son Lucas Richards of Orange, grandchildren Deidra, Isaiah, Amilah, Elijah, Serena, Madison, Myles, Mason, Mia, Aaron, Dorothy and Griffin, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of services there will be a celebration of life on July 19th at the Orange Gun Club from 12pm-4pm.

In his words "don't cry for me but if you must shed a tear, do it because we're out of beer"