Wade O. Richards , 74, Girardville, passed away suddenly Tuesday night at his residence.

Born in Ashland he was a son of the late Robert and Dorothy Lane Richards. He had been employed as a supervisor for the former Zapata Industries, Frackville and later as a coremaker for Goulds Pumps, Ashland.

He was a devout member of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Girardville.

He was a US Army veteran of the Viet Nam war, member of the Girardville American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Fr. Sheridan Council #748, Girardville and the Girardville Basketball Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alice Sauers Richards in 2006, also by four brothers; Glen, Dave, Robert and Earl Richards.

Wade is survived by his two daughters; Michelle Richards and Mary Alice wife of Tim Smith both of Girardville, his 5 grandchildren: TJ, Alyssa, Jonathan, Noah and Matthew, his great-grandchildren: Logan and Landyn also by three brothers: Kenny and his wife Ginny Richards, Mount Carmel, William Richards, FL and Louis and his wife Sharon Richards, Allentown; a sister-in-law Margaret Conroy, Girardville and by nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Girardville, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Rothermel, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment, with military honors, will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs. Friends may call at the church Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. until time of mass.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Wade's name, be made to the Girardville Basketball Association, in c/o Paul Kowalick, 250 N. Second Street, Girardville, PA 17935.