Obituaries

Paul G. Richards, Sr., 74, of West Scranton passed away peacefully Sunday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer. His wife is the former Theresa Kobesky. They celebrated their 51st Anniversary on April 23rd.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Richard E. and Adelaide Ellsworth Richards. He graduated from Forty Fort High School where he wrestled at 98 pounds. He was proud to serve his country in the Air Force Reserves from 1961-69. He was employed by Pitney Bowes as a service technician for 35 years. After his retirement, he worked for James A. Doherty & Sons, Inc.
Paul adored his wife and was a loving and supportive father. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed telling jokes and had a great sense of humor. He was a fan of all sports, including Penn State football and Duke basketball, but his favorite was baseball. He was a lifelong Phillies fan and named many of his beloved dogs after Phillies players. A former President of the Lackawanna Little League, he coached all his son’s baseball teams and was still called “Coach” by his former players. Also a coach for the West Side Falcons, he served as a Cub Scouts den master and was a member of the Ukrainian Social Club. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and golfing.
He is survived by his children, Karen Kowalchick and husband, Joe of Scranton and Paul G. Richards, Jr. and wife Christine of Nicholson; his siblings, Jack and wife Laura, Coatesville; Margaret Hollowbush of Wellsville, Elaine and husband Marv Antinnes, and Bonnie Lenker, all of Forty Fort; brother-in-law Ralph and wife Karen Kobesky of Scranton; four step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Richard, Robert, William, and James and 2 sisters, Marian Frye and Nancy Jeanne Arbosheski.
His family would like to offer their gratitude to Dr. Michael Montella and his entire staff; Dr. Kristin Liptock and Charles Lubash, P.A.C.; and to the amazing staffs of both Hematology and Oncology Assoc. of NEPA and Hospice of the Sacred Heart, for their collective care, kindness and love throughout Paul’s illness. Special thanks to Maureen O’Malley for all her help and support.
Blessing services by Msgr. David Tressler are scheduled for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Burial with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to St. Joseph’s Center Foundation, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509 or St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, PA 18504. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.