Thomas Richardson, loved sacred music
Francis Thomas Richardson of Lewes peacefully passed away Monday, April 18, 2022. A native of Frostburg, Md., Tom was a graduate of Beall High School, as well as Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., and Union Theological Seminary in New York City, N.Y. From a young age, Tom expressed a talent and love for the arts, particularly sacred music, gifts that were nurtured by his loving parents. Tom devoted over 60 years of his life to God's word through music, sharing his gifts with countless people and congregations. Music was not Tom's only love, however, as he was blessed to share 48 years of marriage with his first wife, Sharon Richardson, before her passing in 2017. During those years, Tom and Sharon raised two loving children, Juanita and Joel, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with their many wonderful friends.
In 2020, Tom met Donna Nobriga, a fellow traveler on his vacation to Ireland. Keeping in touch every Tuesday after their trip ended, Tom and Donna eventually fell in love and shared many wonderful memories together, splitting their time between Delaware and Donna's home in Manteca, Calif. Donna's friends and family were just as smitten with "Tuesday Tom" as Donna was, which is no surprise to anyone who knew Tom. Juanita and Joel are immensely thankful for Donna's love and devotion to Tom, and will always remember how his face lit up when Donna walked in the room.
Tom is survived by his love, Donna Nobriga of Manteca, Calif.; and his children, Juanita and Joel, and their spouses Niall Kennedy and Natalie Johnson; and his much-loved grandson, Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret Richardson.
A service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, at Community Lutheran Church, Frankford, with a catered reception to follow. The family will hold a private service for interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's name to the Delaware SPCA, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713, 302-998-2281, or the music program at Community Lutheran Church, 30897 Omar Road, Frankford, DE 19945.
