Sidney Cary Richardson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary Sidney C. Richardson Sunrise February 14, 1942- Sunset February 10, 2018 Sidney C. Richardson was born in Athens, Alabama to Mansfield Scott and Sara Cain. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois in the care, guidance and watchful eye of Roxie and George Richardson. Sidney was a good student, played the flute and was President of his High School Jazz Club. He helped to expose many of his friends to the new sounds of Jazz in the 1950’s, at the time of the emergence of free jazz, and improvisation. He loved Miles Davis, and Coltrane. It is this music that soothed his mind and soul during his recovery from his accident last year. Sidney joined the U.S. Marines in 1960 right after completing high school. He served 4 years and voluntarily re-enlisted another 2 years. Sidney was Honorably Discharged with a Good Conduct Medal which was the 3rd of three, throughout his 6 years. He had no lost time during his service. He was an expert rifleman. He received a National Defense Service Medal, given for response during national emergencies, for his training, and preparing troops for the Cuban Missile Crisis. Sidney was a hard worker, serving almost 50 years in the security industry both installing alarms and later protecting property and passengers for United Airlines. He also worked over 20 years keeping fans safe at the Oakland Coliseum and Arena. Sidney’s final military duty was at the Alameda Naval Air Base. It is here he met and married his wife, Georgia Richardson. Married for 53 years, they resided in Oakland, California and raised 3 children, Ralph, Jenny and David. He instilled in his children high work ethic, the importance of family, and the importance of an education. For him it was not “if you go to college” but “when you go to college.” He role-modeled this for his children by attending night classes at Laney College earning an AA degree in African American Studies. Sidney was a master of trivia. He knew random obscure facts about geography, politics, sports, and entertainment. Watching Jeopardy, or any game show, could be quite a bore as he knew all the answers before the contestants hit the buzzer. During the last eight months of his life, he became quite unfiltered saying whatever was on his mind. He was funny and sarcastic but always in a very polite way. He was a car enthusiast and attended the International Car Show annually as well as car racing events in his younger years. He acquired an incredible collection of watches. He enjoyed traveling the world and he loved a good meal with his family at home. His greatest accomplishment in life was being a father and provider for his family. This was how he showed his absolute, unconditional love, and that there is nothing a good, righteous man will not do for his family. After his accident, these lessons, deeply embedded in responsibility, duty and integrity, gave his family strength to be at his side continuously as he worked courageously to regain his health and independence. He died surrounded by his family and wrapped in the arms of the Savior. His transition was peaceful dignified and full of grace like the Marine he was. Together, his wife Georgia; children Ralph, Jenny, and David; daughter-in-laws Rebecca and Elaine; grand-children Taylor, Dylan, Carson, and Spencer; and newly adopted family Veronica , Sean and Christian; and a host of family and friends will be comforted in the many memories of his warmth, kindness and gentle spirit. God’s grace is sufficient and thus we know, Sidney is always with us. May Sidney Rest In Power and Peace. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sidney Cary Richardson, please visit our floral store.

Sidney Cary Richardson

February 14, 1942 - February 10, 2018