Ernest J. Richards

Ernest J. Richards, Sr., 81, of 134 Constant Street, died December 18, 2000 at the Elliot Hospital. He was born in New London, CT on February 6, 1919, the son of Joseph C. and Mabel L. (Chadwick) Richards. He resided most of his life in Connecticut before moving to Manchester in 1994. He was a World War II Navy Veteran. He attained the status of 32 degree in the Masonic Society and was the Connecticut State President and Pilgrim in the Loyal Order of Moose. He lead an accomplished life and was well known in Southern New Hampshire for his many talents including, performing magic, comedy and music in nightclubs. His country-western stage name was ''Cousin Ernie''. He was an inspiration to and founding member of the Connecticut Variety Players, a group of entertainers dedicated to bringing sunshine into the lives of hospitalized and institutionalize people in the region. Mr. Richards had worked in CT for Constant Brothers Appliances for many years and had also worked for Lyman Memorial High School as an aid. He was the widow of Barbara (Young) Richards who died in 1996. He was also predeceased by a son, Vernon Richards. He was a communicant of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Manchester. Family members include seven sons, Ernest J. Richards, Jr., of Lake Worth, FL, Larry E. Richards of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Joseph C. Richards of Stonington, CT, Mario J. Richards of of Niantic, CT, Daniel L. St. Laurent of Wilton , Donne L. Richards of Martha's Vineyard, MA and Dino L. Richards of Manchester; three daughters; Dale L. Kelley of Manchester, Denise L. Richards of Manchester and Mary Ann Welker of Norchwichtown, CT; 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Constance M. Spofford of Newport, RI; and several nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St. on Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 PM in Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert H. Piller, Pastor officiating. After cremation, urn burial and a private committal service will take place later this Spring in Lebanon, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ernest's memory to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Organ Fund, c/o Pastor Robert Piller, 673 Weston Road, Manchester, NH 03103.