It is with great sadness the family of Charles Joseph Richards, Jr. of Concord, MA announce his passing away at the age of 78. Chuck died on Memorial Day in New Hampshire while hiking the White Cross Trail on Mt. Monadnock with his son Christopher. It is a comfort to his family that Chuck left us doing what he loved. A longtime resident of Concord, MA he was the devoted husband of Wilhelmina "Mieke" (Tys) Richards for 51 years. They met on Laguna Beach, California, where Mieke was visiting from her home in Australia, and Chuck was based at Camp Pendleton. Chuck was born in Framingham, MA on November 7, 1940, to the late Charles J. Richards, Sr. and Andenessa (Beatrice) Richards. He graduated from Framingham High School, Worcester Academy, and Colgate University, earning a B.A. in History in 1964. As a southpaw pitcher, Chuck was heavily scouted by the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and Baltimore Orioles while in high school, as well as during his summers playing for Orleans and Dennis in the Cape Cod League. However, he stayed in school and finished his education, at his father's insistence. After Colgate, Chuck made the ultimate sacrifice by signing up with the United States Marine Corp, where he completed boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina, ultimately rising to the ranks of Captain, and was then deployed to fight in the Vietnam War in 1966. Never one to work for other people, Chuck was self-employed as a high tech recruiter for most of his professional life, creating his own recruiting firms after working for Raytheon after his honorable discharge from the military. Chuck was an enthusiastic reader, hiker, and golfer, and was a member of the Concord Country Club for over 30 years. He loved a fiery debate, as well as sharing his love for his country, the Republican Party, the Buddha, and Joseph Campbell. Chuck was the proud father of Jennifer Ann Richards of Framingham and Christopher William Richards of Concord. He is predeceased by his beloved brother Stephen Francis Richards of Westmore, Vermont; niece Francine Marie Richards of Corpus Christi, Texas; and nephew Mark Richards of Westmore, Vermont. Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Tuesday, June 4th from 4 to 8 pm. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:30 am from the Dee Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial with military honors will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord. Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Wednesday, June 5th in recognition of Chuck's faithful and honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. The Richards family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to those who have graciously supported them during this time of mourning. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mt. Wayte Ave., Framingham, MA 01702 (www.framinghamheartstudy.org). Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.