David Richards
David B. Richards was born on December 7, 1934, the oldest of four children to the late Stephen C. Richards and Mabel B. Richards in Albany, NY. He died on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from complications of a stroke. He was 90 years old.
David was an engineer, an alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY where he received a BSCE and an MS in Soils Engineering. He was also an alumnus of Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO where he received an MS in Engineering Geology. He started his career at the U.S. Geological Survey in Lakewood, CO. He was then assigned to the Federal Flood Insurance program in Lawrence, KS. The final stop of his career landed him in Pittsburgh where he was assigned to the U.S.G.S., Water Resources Division, as Sub-District Chief and Supervisory Hydrologist, retiring in 1996 after 30 years of service.
David lived life dedicated to learning and service. Post-retirement, he was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, where he taught Groundwater Hydrology. He was an active merit badge counselor in Boy Scout Troop #335, a Wood Badge staffer, and a council leader in the Seneca District. He received a Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts and the Lamb Award from the Lutheran Church in recognition of his service to the Boy Scouts. He found great joy playing duplicate bridge, gardening, traveling, woodworking, boatbuilding and spending time with his dogs – Nipper, Wendy and Marty.
David is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elsie, their children, Natalie, Daniel (Janice), Stephanie, Sheila (Juan), grandchildren Ian, Jordan, Eliana and Constantino. His sister, Sally (late Richard), brother-in-law, Don, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Barbara (late William) and Deborah.
A memorial service will be held at Noon on Sunday, June 8th at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland in McCandless. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland, Northland Library or a charity of your choice.