MACK WEAVER RICHARDSON, JR. ~ Class of 1952
August 10. 1934 - November 21, 2009

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Mack W. Richardson Jr. of Derry, NH passed away November 21st in his home with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Houston, TX, he was the son of the late Mack and Ruth Barnette Richardson. He graduated from Colulmbia Hi School in Richland, WA in 1952 where he played football for the Richland Bombers.

After honorably serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and graduating from Washington State University, Mack was a member of the Washington State Police force. He then embarked on a long and honorable career with the U.S. Secret Service, which spanned the administrations of President Lyndon B. Johnson through President George H. Bush. He served at the White House from 1968-1970. He was detailed to protect the President and foreign dignitaries. Some of the highlights of his career were with Secretary Henry Kissinger throughout the Middle East during peace talks, security for President Nixon on the U.S.S. Hornet during the Apollo landing, and he coordinated the security detail of Pope John Paul II's 1979 trip to the United States. Throughout his career, while serving in various secret service offices within the U.S., Mack investigated crimes of counterfeiting, forgery and credit card fraud.

While stationed in Boston, he met his beloved wife, Joanna and they married in 1985. To this union was born twin daughters and they eventually settled in New Hampshire. In his previous marriage to Yvette L. Richardson of Boise, ID, six children were born. After his retirement from the U.S. Secret Service in 1986, he served as Director of Law Enforcement for the State of Idaho from 1987 – 1990 and then provided private security consulting, which included the tour of the original Bill of Rights with the Phillip Morris Company. He then worked for the Gillette Corporation in their security division.

Despite his long and storied service, Mack remained dedicated to his family and friends. He enjoyed bird hunting and fishing in his early years, as well as camping trips with his family in Idaho. Mack was a great sports enthusiast and became a fan of New England's teams once he settled there. As his illness progressed he found comfort and inspiration in Coach Jimmy Valvano's "The Last Lecture" at the 1993 ESPY Awards.

In addition to his late parents, Mack is predeceased by his daughter the late Debbie Richardson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanna C. (Leone) Richardson, and his devoted children, Mackenzie and Meghan Richardson, both of Derry, NH, Chellie Van Lith and husband Joel, Pam Brady and husband Nick, Larry Richardson and Renee Richardson all of Idaho, Thad Richardson and wife Jan of Alaska. He is also survived by thirteen loving grandchildren and is further survived by his brother John Richardson *'58)and his wife Katie RIGGINS Richardson ('60) of Florida.

Funeral services for Mack will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home 306 Main St. Medford, OR Saturday, November 28th at 9am followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Matthew Church, 2 Searles Rd., Windham, NH, at 11am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Friday, November 27th, from 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mack's memory to the Dr. Andrew Tager Pulmonary Unit, c/o David Tubbs Senior Director of Principal Gifts, Mass General Hospital, 55 Fruit St. (CPZ 6), Boston, MA 02114.

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