Robert Paul Richards, Jr.

Robert “Bobba, Calvin, Bobby, Bob” Paul Richards, age 61, passed away on August 7, 2018. Bob was born May 12, 1958 in Oak Park, IL. Bob worked for 30 years as an air traffic controller at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, where he earned his “Calvin” nickname for the Calvin Klein jeans he wore every day. In retirement, he had been a substitute teacher for Triton Regional Schools, quickly becoming a classroom favorite with his captivating and entertaining personality. Bob was a screenwriter for Anonymous Content and wrote a book entitled Secrets from the Tower (2007) that chronicled his life and times as an air traffic controller with an extraordinary passion for rock ‘n’ roll.

Bob leaves behind three bottles of Boost, ten cans of ginger ale, two cans of “coffee in a cup,” seven bottles of Perrier sparking water, one can of La Croix peach sparkling water, nine bottles of well-fermented kombucha, a couple of boxes of random diet sodas bought on Amazon, a pitcher of horchata (rice water), multiple gallons of fresh-squeezed orange juice from Market Basket, ten cans of off-brand grape soda, a half-can of diet Pepsi, and a full glass of ice.

Collecting drinks was one of his many lovable quirks. He also leaves behind countless beloved friends and family members. Bob made sure that every moment counted as if it were his last. His compassion was limitless – for his friends, family, and life itself. He was a truly memorable character who touched the lives of so many people and told all of them his secret in life: “Stay positive.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Kim Richards, his sons and daughters: Adam (JulieAnn), Andy, Ben (Kim), Greg (Elisabeth), Andrew (Sherlyn), Julia, and his grandchildren: Katie, Gabbie, Gavin, Gavin, Brenden, Adrienne, RaeLynn, and RyAnne.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, August 12 from 2-6 PM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High Street Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the Funeral Home. Robert’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on August 13 at Immaculate Conception Church 42 Green Street Newburyport, MA 01950. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation:

https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_now&chid=066-000 or Mail to: Make a Wish Foundation 1 Bulfinch Pl. Boston, MA 02114.

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