John C. Richardson

John C. Richardson, age 92, died at his home in Orford, NH on March 12, 2025.  He never stopped reading and learning, sometimes reinforcing long-held beliefs, other times exploring new insights.  From history to physics, from military strategy to quantum mechanics, from the Wall Street Journal to his hobbyist magazines, John was never far from reading material to challenge, to ponder, to comment and to take a position.  He was a lover of wine, New Orleans cuisine and TV sports (at full volume and particularly when the commentators or participants needed advice).  He loved trees, owls, ferns and dogs.
John was born on May 3, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama, the son of Robert F. and Louise (Simmons) Richardson.  He was still young when the family moved to New Orleans, LA.  There, he honed his intellect at the Isidore Newman School, graduating in 1950, and fostered a will to reach for more and succeed where he reached.
He went to Tulane University with a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) appointment and graduated in 1954.  John’s Navy years were the source of many favorite stories, covering his global adventures during summer midshipman cruises and three years of active duty.
Released from active duty in September 1957 to study law, John remained in the Naval Reserves until 1970.  He left the Naval Reserves as a Lt. Commander, but he never left behind the Navy’s penchant for precision.  In 1960, he graduated from Harvard Law School and began his legal career as an associate in the Denver law firm of Holland and Hart.
John’s horizons expanded as he moved to New York to practice law at Hoover Worldwide.  In 1969, he joined the U.S. Treasury Department, where he rose to the position of Tax Legislative Counsel.  Returning to New York in 1972, he practiced as a tax partner in the New York law firms of Brown, Wood, Ivey, Mitchell and Petty; LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby and MacRae; and Morgan, Lewis and Bockius until his retirement in 1993.  Additionally, he taught at Fordham University as an adjunct professor.
In retirement, moving from his beloved river in Weston, CT to the mountains of Orford, NH, John shifted gears.  He completed his training with the NH Police Academy and then put in years of service as a volunteer police officer in Orford, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.
John was a longtime Chatham homeowner and a member of Eastward Ho! and Chatham Yacht Club.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cicely Tomlinson Richardson, his children Nancy Murphy, Robert Richardson and Leslie Richardson, their partners Martin Murphy, Sheila Gallen and Scott Michaud as well as his grandchildren Ryan and Ariana Murphy and Niamh and Roy Richardson.
John and his family are particularly grateful to the caregivers from North Country Home Health and Hospice and FCP Live-in Home Care, whose support made it possible for John to stay at home to the end of his life.  Special thanks go to Taz for the gentle strength, interest, patience, encouragement and good humor that made John and him such a good team.
The family will have a gathering in John’s honor on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at his home in Orford.  Donations in John’s memory may be made to North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561.