Donald J. "Doc" Richards

Donald J. “Doc” Richards, 92 of Blairsville, PA passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, Latrobe, PA.

The son of Thomas F. and Harriett (Burd) Richards, he was born November 3, 1924 in Derry Twp., PA.

Doc was of the protestant faith, he was the oldest living and life member of the Blairsville Volunteer Fire Department, charter member of the Kingston Veterans and Sportsman Club, life member of B.P.O.E #406, Blairsville, past master and member of Acacia Lodge #355 F & AM, Blairsville, Coudersport Consistory, a member of the National, State and Indiana County Realtors Association, served as chaplain of the Blairsville Military Service Group and in 2017 he was honored by the Blairsville American Legion Post #0407 for 70 years of service.

He graduated from Derry Township High School in 1942 and was a veteran of the US Army Air Corp, having served during World War II.

He worked for Otto Milk Company, Pittsburgh, for 20 years from 1952 to 1972 and worked 15 years for R & P Coal Company as a maintenance superintendent, retiring in 1987. Doc, also, worked for several realtors over the years before retiring at the age of 85.

In 2006, he received the J. Herbert George Civic Award in recognition and appreciation for his outstanding accomplishments and service to the citizens of the Borough of Blairsville and the United States of America.

Surviving are two daughters, Cathy Smith (Kenneth) of Blairsville and Patti Ann Cribbs (Paul) of Blairsville; four grandchildren, K. Rick Smith (Holly), Lori Tavella (Domenic), Ryan Cribbs (Kristin) and Megan Conrad (Keith); seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Doris M. (Albaugh) Richards on July 10, 2014; five brothers, Thomas A., Andrew Armstrong “Armp”, James C., Paul and Dale Richards.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Timothy R. Monroe officiating.

Interment will be in Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.

Acacia Lodge #355 F&AM will have services at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday in the funeral home.

Military services will be accorded by the Blairsville VFW Post #5821 and American Legion Post #0407.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Blairsville Volunteer Fire Department, 51 W. Campbell St., Blairsville, PA 15717