Thomas R. Richards, 92, of North Attleboro, MA., passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Alliance Health at Maples in Wrentham, MA. He was the beloved husband of the late Patrica Jane (Wenner) Richards.

Born in Bethlehem, PA., on September 12, 1934, he was the son of the late Thomas and Wilhelmina (Ramsay) Richards, and the devoted brother of the late Christine Daugherty.

A graduate of Lehigh University, Tom was employed for many years as a Metallurgical Engineer, dedicating himself to his profession with pride and commitment. During his career, he developed a process to separate gold from base metals in jewelry waste, greatly reducing the amount of time for this process and the amount of hazardous waste generated, thus better protecting the environment. Throughout his career, he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and the lasting relationships he developed with those around him.

Tom proudly served his country as a captain and pilot in the United States Marine Helicopter Squadron, the Flying Tigers HMR-262. A highlight of his service with the Flying Tigers was flying rescue and relief missions from the USS Lake Champlain in response for the September 1957 floods in Valencia, Spain. His military service was an important part of his life, and he carried the values of honor, loyalty, and dedication throughout his years. He continued his love of aviation as a private pilot in his civilian life.

He was also a proud member of the Freemasons and was a longtime member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a Past Master of Ansantawae Lodge #89 in Milford, CT, and a Past Worthy Patron of Hope Chapter #41, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also active in both the York Rite and Scottish Rite Masonic Organizations and the Jolly Mariners Fellowcraft Club. Through his involvement with the Masonic community, Tom valued fellowship, friendship, service, and the bonds he formed with his fellow members.

Tom was also active as a member of Second Congregational Church UCC in Attleboro. He sang in the choir, played handbells, served as a Deacon, and taught Sunday School. He was a member of many committees and boards. He was a dedicated student of the Bible, enjoying intellectual discourse on the Bible as well as the history behind it.

In his later years, Tom greatly enjoyed watercolor painting, with particular emphasis on portraits of family members and friends. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, joking that it kept him from buying another airplane.

Tom will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his career, his military service, and the organizations that held special meaning in his life. His contributions and the relationships he built throughout the years will remain a lasting part of the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving children, Nancy C. Bossi, of Ephrata, PA., Judith A. Tarselli, and her companion Richard Patchett of North Attleboro, MA., Daniel Richards and his wife Yvonne of Lebanon, PA., William David Richards of North Attleboro, MA., and Douglas Edward Richards of Harrisville, RI. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Michael A. Tarselli, and his wife Jessica, Matthew J. Tarselli, and his wife Nicole, and Andrew Bossi; and dear great-grandchildren, Brewer J. Tarselli, Henry J. Tarselli, and Maia J. Tarselli.

His funeral and burial will be held at a later date.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.