January 27, 1936 – October 5, 2024
John Neville Richardson passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at his home in Laguna Beach.
John was born on January 27, 1936, in Glendale, Calif., to Grace and Frederick Richardson. After attending high school in Alhambra and college at Occidental College, he met Ann Grover while living on Balboa Island. They married in 1960 and raised their family in the cities of Redlands and Upland. They moved to Laguna Beach in 1996.
John dedicated his professional life to social work. This included being “Home Parents” with Ann at group homes, providing young residents with a warm home environment in which they could grow up with nurturing adults. From 1968 to 1999, John worked at Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services, serving in various positions, including social worker and executive director.
John’s family was at the center of his life. He shared his love of sailing, woodwork and baseball with his wife, children and grandchildren. He built several small boats and enjoyed sailing them in Newport Harbor. When John was sailing, listening to a Dodger game, or doing woodwork with his family, he was happy.
John leaves a legacy of service to others and will be remembered and missed by his daughters Carrie Hall and Sue Coe (David); his son Peter Richardson (Heather); his grandchildren Kenzie, Abbie, Aubrye, Jack, Harriet, Bryson, Porter, Henry, Jed, Zach and Taylor; and, his great-granddaughter, Eleanor. He is preceded in passing by his son Grant, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Ann Richardson. John will be laid to rest alongside Ann and Grant at Hillside Cemetery in Redlands, Calif.
In lieu of flowers or donations, John asks that you take your family and loved ones out to dinner and enjoy each other’s company.
