John Ebenezer Richardson III, of Concord, MA, died peacefully on January 22, 2024 from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurodegenerative disease. Born April 23, 1946, in Greenwich, CT, he was the eldest son of John and Edythe (Stover) Richardson.
A man of his times, his early adult life was spent in North Country New Hampshire among artists and skiers. He then moved to the more lively Boston and Cambridge scene, where he found a niche and many friends in audio sales and the arts. The new IT world called, and he had a successful sales career with Silicon Valley software startups, combining his skills of persuasion with his knack for bringing people together.
In 1985, he met Connie Roche in a now-long-gone hip Harvard Square restaurant. When he invited her to Martha’s Vineyard, the deal was sealed. They married in 1987 and started their lives together in Newton, moving to Concord in 1990.
He loved nothing more than an evening out with good food, wine, music, and engaging company. He was a lover of music, travel, good design, Martha’s Vineyard, sailing, cars (the more, the better), challenging projects, good tools, a memorable turn of phrase (that some called JRisms), and a quick comeback. He was generous with praise but also found it necessary to tell you (or the restaurateur) how you could do better.
When his illness impaired his mobility and limited his independence, he adapted in his characteristic way, like inventing padded outfits when his falls were frequent. Later, he graciously adjusted to trading his treasured cars for a sturdy wheelchair, dinners at 80 Thoreau for lunches at the Council on Aging, and nights on the town for dancing and singing with his local Parkinson’s groups. Fiercely independent, he accepted help when needed from his wife and his caregiver of 5 years, Susan Muthee.
John is survived by his wife, Connie Roche, son, Christian Adam Richardson (and wife Jenny), brother David Richardson (and wife Ellin), and a loving extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Peter and parents Edie and John.
A private celebration of life will be held in his honor. Donations in his memory can be made to Jewish Family Services, Parkinson’s Family Support Division, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
www.jfcsboston.org
Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, Concord, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit www.concordfuneral.com
