In Memory of Reverend Richard Richardson

Reverend Richard Wendell Richardson, M.Ed. (Psychology)

August 23, 1930 – September 30, 2025

Reverend Richard Wendell Richardson, 95, of Lakeland, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, mentor, community leader, and servant of God, Richard lived a life that left an indelible legacy in many spheres.

Born August 23, 1930, in Cambridge MA, he was the beloved son of Frank James Richardson and Judith Margaret (Gaymon) Richardson. He married the love of his life, his “Black Pearl,” Jestina Lillian Gordon, and together they shared more than 74 years of marriage, rooted in faith, partnership, and service. From their union came a family that continues to bear the strength of his example. Their union was blessed with six children: Karen Marie, Denise Estelle, Stephanie Louise, Richard Wendell II, Kim Stacey, and Judith Lillian. Richard was also a proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, cherishing his role in guiding the next generations with prayer, encouragement, and love.

Professional Life & Education

Richard earned his Master of Education in Psychology from Cambridge College, giving him a foundation in understanding hearts, minds, and human development.

He began as a skilled tool-and-die maker and completed his studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology. During this time, he developed a solid foundation in precision craftsmanship and problem-solving. He then joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) during its formative years, working in the cabinet department under the leadership of the founders, Stan Olson and his brother Ken.

From there, Richard moved on to Polaroid, where he achieved a historic milestone as the first African American manager in the department. Though he had little more than a high school education at the time, his exceptional skill, intellect, and work ethic earned him the respect of the engineers he supervised. During this time, he had the privilege of working directly with Dr. Edwin Land, the legendary inventor and founder of Polaroid, contributing in part to the development of the “boot” mechanism of the Land Camera.

Richard later continued his career at General Electric (GE) in the Jet Engine Division, where his technical acumen and leadership continued to shine. Following his corporate career, Richard became an entrepreneur. He co-owned Jasco Aluminum, building upon his experience and leading in business ownership.

Across each chapter of his professional life, Richard was known for his integrity, innovation, and ability to bridge cultures and disciplines through quiet strength and humility.

But his greatest professional legacy may be in his visionary work in child and family services. In 1972, Richard and his wife co-founded United Homes for Children, a foster care agency, grounded in clinical behavioral health approaches. Over time, United Homes for Children merged with Roxbury Children Services to form Children’s Services of Roxbury (CSR), where Richard served as Executive Director until 1990 and later as Chair Emeritus until his passing.

Under his leadership, CSR expanded from a small network of foster homes to one of Massachusetts’s most significant and respected, Black-led nonprofits serving families across multiple domains. CSR’s mission, to bring peace of mind to children and families, reflects Richard’s vision: systems that not only serve, but build trust, empowerment, dignity, and holistic wellness.

Ministry & Community Leadership

Ordained Reverend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1986, Richard served on the ministerial staff at St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, and later at New Bethel AME Church in Lakeland from 2008 onward.

He also served his community in civic and faith-based capacities:

• Commissioner (later Commissioner Emeritus) of the Lakeland Housing Authority
• Advisor to YouthBuild Lakeland
• Member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
• Board member of the Lakeland Police Department Chaplaincy
• Executive Director Interact Council of Human Development
• Founder of New Bethel Lakeland Social Services, which birthed the Lord’s Pantry to feed the hungry

In fraternal service, Richard was a dedicated Mason, a member of Celestial Lodge #2 in Boston, and he rose to the rank of Most Worshipful Grandmaster.

The Legacy of Family

Of all his accomplishments, Richard’s most treasured legacy was the one he built within his family. He was the cornerstone of faith and strength, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather who modeled what it meant to be a godly man. His life was a living sermon, teaching those around him how to walk humbly, love deeply, and trust God completely.

He was the one his children and grandchildren turned to for wise counsel, and no matter the question or circumstance, his wisdom always pointed them back to God. His quiet confidence in the Lord was unshakable, and his constant reminder to those he loved was simple yet profound: “If we just hold on to God’s hand, we know that everything will be alright.”

Whether stitching Easter dresses and wedding gowns by hand, fixing what others thought was beyond repair, or guiding his family through life’s storms, Richard led with both skill and faith. He was the steady anchor and spiritual covering of the family, prayerful and protective.

Together with his beloved wife, Richard and Jestina opened their home to more than fifty foster children and welcomed countless family members in times of need. Their home was always a refuge, a place of safety, love, and prayer. This spirit of generosity and unwavering devotion remains one of the richest parts of Richard’s legacy.

Character and Mentorship

Richard was a man of gentle authority. Though not verbose, when he spoke, each word carried depth. He mentored men across generations, grandsons, sons-in-law, nephews, and counseled couples, often bringing wisdom to dark valleys. With his wife, they were a ministry team: she the heart, he the hands, together bringing dreams, programs, and compassion into being.

He was generous beyond measure, always quick to redirect credit to God: “It was not me, but the God in me.” Every sermon began with his favorite song, “His Grace and Mercy Have Brought Me Through.” He lived humbly, seeking always to serve and please the Lord.

Family & Celebration

Richard is survived by his wife, Jestina; his children, Karen (Lynn) Caple, Denise (Scott) Gordon, Stephanie (Curtis) Lewis, Kim (Hassen) Pruitt, Judie (Steve) Routhier; and three who, though not by birth, were his by love and spirit: Mark (Pat) Richardson, Crystal (Steve) Lezema, Billy Solomon;  31 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; extended family; and a host of spiritual children and friends.

He was preceded in death by son Richard Wendell Richardson II; great-grandson Desmond Hassen Richardson; father Frank James Richardson; mother Judith Margaret Richardson; siblings Frank Richardson Jr., Catherine Cheek, Julia Semper, Sarah Hicks, Estelle Richardson; and sons-in-law Gary Jerome Weems, and Eugene Alexander Poindexter Jr.

Closing Scripture

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15