Anthony “Tony” Richardson, 61, entered paradise on July 10, 2020. Born in Niles, Michigan to Madelyn Boshart-Lippert and Jimmy Richardson. He lived in many places from Michigan to Indiana, and then to Chicago where he grew up. In 2001 Tony relocated his family to Florida and has lived in the Tampa Bay area ever since. He was an ASE certified auto mechanic and retired in 2011. Tony had many interests including open water scuba diving, gun range events, going to car races, watching space launches, watching the History Channel, Discovery Channel, and News Channels. A person who could barely use a TracFone was introduced to the smartphone world by his daughter, and since then he became very tech-savvy. He had a very funny and sarcastic sense of humor. He even had a following on social media who often told him he should have been a comedian. Quick to react in emergency situations, he often was known to stop at car accidents with a calm demeanor and know exactly how to lend a helping hand. Tony was nominated for eagle scout and volunteered for Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Camp for Kids. He served in the Army National Guard and Army. He was always known as a very generous person who would give you the shirt off his back. He was married to his wife Theresa (Grady) Richardson for thirty years and survived by his daughter Tiffany (Beau) Soccorso and his beloved dog Dixie Richardson. Uncle to Becky Grady and mentor to many people who thought of him as a father figure and uncle. He served many roles husband, father, brother, cousin, nephew, father in law, and friend. He was known by many and will be missed by all.
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free;
I took His hand, when I heard him call.
I turned my back, and left it all.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
My life’s been full,
I’ve savored much.
Good friends, good times,
A loved one’s touch.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now,
He set me free.