Patrick G. Richardson

As the sun rose on the morning of December 3rd, Patrick Richardson began the next phase of his adventure after passing away suddenly at the age of 65.

On the subject of adventures, Pat had no shortage of those in his 65 years. He was just as at home on his Harley Davidson, as he was holding his Yorkshire Terrier, Rocky, in front of the fireplace at home. Firewood was never at a shortage, as Pat's yard was essentially his office, and always in immaculate condition. There was never a hesitation to help a neighbor in need, and the neighborhood will look a bit less green without Pat around to tend to it.

Pat and his surviving wife Anne were a duo since age seventeen, as they grew up miles from each other in a small neighborhood in Rockford, Illinois. Pat and Anne were truly a team through thick and thin. When one needed a guiding hand, the other was there to oblige, without hesitation. Whether it was surviving brain surgery, battling cancer, or navigating economic issues, there was never a shortage of reliability, laughter, and devotion over the many years. Their love for each other was constant and like no other.

Professionally, Pat worked as a master mechanic for numerous years and retired from Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, and that skill carried into his personal life, where he and his best friend Roger (Svartoien) spent countless hours in their garages, fixing whatever was needed while sharing an Old Style or two. When out of the garage, they could be found riding anything with wheels or a motor, including and not limited to snowmobiles, boats, jet-skis, hovercrafts, and side-by-sides.

As time went by, Pat found a close confidant in Anne's brother Charlie (Kasnick). Charlie was always available to Pat, during times of need. In later years, Pat and Charlie came to rely on Gill (Clay) as a secondary father figure, after Anne's father Marvin (Kasnick) passed away. Gill was a neighbor of the family for many years, and Pat even worked with Gill at his tool and die shop during retirement. Retirement also allowed Pat to finally purchase his long-desired Chevy Trail Boss, which he was proud to show off, after acquiring it in 2020.

Pat is survived by two loving children, Kim (Chris) Davidson and Ryan. He was the prime example of a present father, as he devoted countless hours to chauffeuring growing children to random sporting events throughout the Midwest. To his children, he wasn't just dad, but Patman. Whenever his children needed him, he was always available, no questions asked. His work ethic, perseverance, love, and strength never went unnoticed by his children and lives on through them to this day.

Pat was raised in Rockford, by his mother Janet, and his father Don. He was the middle of five children, who include Jamie, Chris, Donnie, and Mike. Pat appreciated the outdoors from an early age, and long days spent on the canoe with his mother and Mike were held in earnest memory.

In later years, Pat, Anne, and Rocky found comfort in their annual trips to Jacksonville Beach FL, to visit Kim and Chris. In time, his ashes will be a part of Jacksonville Beach, where he can relax on an endless vacation with his daughter close by.

To honor Pat, the family asks for love and support in the years ahead.

A celebration of life will be held at the SM&SF Club Park (7625 Kishwaukee Rd, Stillman Valley, IL 61084) on Friday, December 9th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.