Born in Quincy, Massachusetts to Arthur and Sally Richards, and then raised in Weymouth, Chris quickly developed a passion for motorcycles and drag racing from a very early age. As the years passed, this passion grew, leading Chris to take chances, seek adventure, and live life to the fullest. He frequently attended the New England Dragway and drove his own vehicles as if they belonged on the track. Following his siblings’ path, in 1988, Chris moved to New Port Richey, Florida to start anew. Over the years, Chris had a multitude of jobs, ranging from a meat cutter at Howard Johnsons to an assembly line worker at a turkey factory. However, he truly excelled when he became a commercial painter, which he practiced for a decade. Chris’ drive for work was inspirational, even after he retired due to becoming medically disabled. This is when Chris’ love for fishing grew exponentially and became his favorite thing
to do.

Throughout his life, Chris was an active member of his extended family. He never missed a family event and was always there to assist a family member in need. If someone was moving, Chris would be there to lift even the heaviest of couches for family without hesitation. Even without great financial means, Chris always made the most of every situation with whatever was available and created lasting memories that his family and friends will cherish. He gave his all in everything that he did, with his enormous heart and  determination. He loved New England seafood, listening to his favorite 80’s rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd at full volume and continually proving just how strong he was to everyone. He never missed an opportunity to unapologetically be himself, and with his own unique version of the English language, Chris’ sense of humor was legendary, and he would always be able to find something funny in any situation or be that himself.

This was not to say that Chris did not suffer from hardships. Chris’ path was a rocky one, surviving numerous hospitalizations, tragic motorcycle accidents, and two traumatic brain injuries. Any of these events could prove fatal, but Chris pushed through every time. His determination was unmatched and provide a life lesson for those who got to witness it. Everything was only a temporary setback or another hill for him to climb. His life may not have been easy and carefree, but Chris managed to cherish and capture each  moment, take each day, and make the most of it.

Chris was preceded in death by his partner of 15 years Cheryl Decicco. He is survived by his son Sebastian Richards, partner Samantha Kearley, and his three beautiful  granddaughters Jade, Violet, and Marci; his brother Michael Richards and Michael’s wife Laura, who Chris affectionately called “his sista, Larra”; his sister Pamela Wimmer and brother Tommy Richards and partner Angela Quattropani; nieces and nephews  Christopher, Stacy, Steven, Kenny, Dillon, and Cynthia, as well as several grandnieces and a grandnephew; and countless friends, family friends, buddies and loved ones.

To know him was to love him, and Chris was dearly loved. His sudden and unexpected passing has left us all heartbroken with a huge void that can never be filled. He will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him. His memories, humor, determination, pure humility, and unselfish love will live on in all those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with this very special man. May you rest at peace, pain free, in the special place that Jesus has set aside for you.

Love and miss you Uncle Chris, your loving nephew, Kenny