Francis H. Richardson, Jr.

Francis H. Richardson, Jr., PhD, known by many simply as Frank, departed on his next adventure May 26, 2026.

The oldest of two sons and two daughters, Frank was born early on the frosty morning of February 12, 1945 in Daytona Beach, Florida to Francis H. Richardson and Grace Irene (Friel) Richardson. He was raised and lived many years in Delaware. He was a husband, father, Dad, grandfather, grandpa Frank, firefighter, sailor, teacher, veteran, poet, and traveler in search of light. The shortest description of his life's work is that he fought fires and taught college.

Frank fought fires with the Minquas Fire Company in Newport, Aetna in Newark, The Fairfax County Virginia Fire and Rescue Services, and in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Frank taught at the Delaware State Fire School, the Montgomery County (PA) Fire Academy, Delaware Tech, the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy of Utah Valley University, and the National Fire Academy. Frank held a US Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officers license for sail and power vessels of 50 tons. He was a member of the sailing crew and educator on the Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware.

Frank served with the 1st Cavalry in Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor for saving lives while under fire. Frank traveled to all 50 states, 17 foreign countries, hiked the Western mountains and deserts, and sailed the bays of Maryland and Maine.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, his first wife Mary, and his second wife and loving companion Anne Groo. He is survived by his children: Andrew (Cathy) Kennard of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Michael (Whitney) Richardson of Covesville, VA, Kimberly (David) Thiebeau of Telford, PA, Matthew (Mary) Richardson of York, SC.

Four grandchildren survive as well: Shelby and Molly Thiebeau of Telford, PA and Christopher and Ian Kennad of Mt. Plesaant, MI. He is also survived by his sisters: Maria Babb and Monica Richardson of San Antonio, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank is also survived by his "Family out West", friend and confidant, Terri Busch; Peter Busch, Haylee Plott, Everlee and Krue Plott, Aj Busch Skidmore, Skylee Dawn Busch, Karin and Stormy Skidmore, and many other friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Memphis, TN or Shriners Childrens, Tampa, FL.

Service will be Saturday July 18th, 2026 at 11:30 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM at Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder, Station 8, 410 Ogletown RD Newark,DE 19711 with reception to follow at same address, Interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.