Christopher Davis Richards, 69, of Mattapoisett passed away Sunday September 29, 2019 surrounded by his family.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Thornton M. Richards, Jr. and Marion (Browne) Richards, Christopher was raised in Fairhaven. He attended Marlborough Academy graduating in 1968 going on to Roger Williams College graduating in 1973 with a BFA in Music.
Christopher was best known for his musical talents. Although Chris had several different jobs along the way, you can take the music out of the man, but not the man out of the music. He was the happiest when performing. Being a self-taught guitarist Chris could break apart a song by ear and perform a rendition that would leave you wanting more. If you ever heard Chris perform Roxanne or What’s Going On, you would understand. He had a great ear for music and could play any genre. His chops, voice, harmonizing ability, easy going personality made him the man he was with so many friends and very respected in the music community.
The Richards family was on a trip to New York City when the boys stressed to their Dad the need to get them home so they could watch the Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Chris’ older brother Tony had a little tenor guitar and that was the start of it all. Once he got his hands on that little guitar he never stopped playing. Chris was 15 when he played in his first band. He played with Steeplejack; The McCarthy Richards Band; The Butch McCarthy Band; The Stunners; a solo artist; MRL, The Quartet, and with many, many musicians. Chris’ best friend in life and music was Kenny Richards. The duo played music together for over 52 years. Chris was so happy he was able to perform with Kenny in Greece.
Survivors include his daughter, Molly K. Richards and former wife Christine, both of Mattapoisett, his daughter, Sarah S. Gill and her husband Jimmy of Rumford, RI, his son, Benjamin C. Richards of South Carver, his brother, Peter Richards and wife Susan of Nantucket, and his nephew Parker Richards of New York.
He was predeceased by his brother, Thornton M. Richards III.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday October 19th at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visitation will be on Friday October 18th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Old Rochester Music (FORM) for scholarships to those going on to study music. Checks may be mailed to: 38 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
