Thomas J. “Digsy” Richards Sr., 88, a resident of Laflin, and formerly of Elder Street, South Wilkes-Barre, passed quietly into eternal life, surrounded by his loved ones, on Thursday evening, December 21, 2023, in the comfort of his home.

His loving wife is Kathleen M. “Kathy” Masterson Richards. Tom and Kathy would have celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary on January 14, 2024.

Born on April 13, 1935, in Kingston, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Richards and Ann Ellis Charlton, and the step-son of the late George Charlton.

Raised in Kingston, Tom attended the former Kingston High School, where he was a stand-out running back on the school’s football team.

A United States Navy veteran, Tom honorably served his country for four years. During his time of service, he played football and wrestled while stationed at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland. Upon his honorable discharge on June 20, 1958, he attained the rank of Photographers Mate Petty Officer 3^rd Class.

Following his military service, Tom attended Wyoming Valley Technical Institute for mechanical engineering drafting and, after completing his studies, embarked on a long career in the field. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a mechanical engineering draftsman for Berwick Industries, Berwick. In his earlier years, he worked in the same capacity for Pocono Design Systems, Jenkins Township, and the General Cigar Company, later Culbro Design Systems, Kingston.

A man of great faith, Tom was a devout member of the former Saint Therese Church, Wilkes-Barre, where he was a member of the church choir, and active with various church fundraisers. After its closing, he became a member of Saint Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, holding membership with its choir for some time.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed traveling with his family, gardening around his home, and exercising. A skilled woodworker, he also enjoyed making custom cabinetry and furniture for his family and friends.

Tom was a great fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. An excellent dart player, in his younger years he was a member of the Wyoming Valley Dart League, and was also a member of the Quarterback Club at former E.L. Meyers High School.

Kind and gentle hearted, Tom never hesitated to lend a helping hand or share a kind word. He was a loving and loyal family man who always put his wife, children, and grandchildren before himself. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

In addition to his parents and step-father, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Bud” Richards; and his sisters, Nancylee Schutter and Ruth Turner.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Ann M. Gubitose and her husband, Glen, Laflin; and Thomas J. Richards and his wife, Kathleen, Mountaintop; two grandchildren, Kyle Richards and Sarah Richards; as well as his nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Tom’s viewing which will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in Saint Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM with the Reverend Father Alex Roche, his Pastor, officiating.

The Parish Rosary Group of Saint Maria Goretti Church will recite the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet on Thursday morning at 9:30 AM, in the church.

Private interment with the Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

To send Tom’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507, or by visiting www.hospicesacredheart.org/donate.

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