GERALD T. "JERRY" RICHARDS, 84

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.   Born July 18, 1941 in Aurora, IL.  Longtime Lockport resident.

Jerry started working at a young age setting pins at Strike and Spare.   At 18, he started driving his father's 18 wheeler for the family business, Richards Trucking.  Later he was employed by the state at IYC in Joliet for 20 years, retiring in 2001 as the vehicle coordinator.  While employed by the state, he also had his own landscape design business.  It gave Jerry great joy to work beautifying the grounds at St. Dennis Church and School for many years.  Even though he was blind for many years, he still worked in his yard and vegetable garden.

He was a 40 year plus member of the Lockport Lions Club and was co-founding chairman of the yearly Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. He  was also a board member and team sponsor for Lockport Boy's Little League and loved to see his son's play sports and in his older years, enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Marie Richards; Sister-in-law, Judy (late Mike) Pina.

Survived by his beloved wife of 63 years and high school sweetheart, Carol Richards (nee Finefield); loving children, David (Denise) Richards, Jeffery (Debra) Richards and Patrick (Tiffany) Richards; cherished grandchildren, Erin (Ryan) Saylor, Kaitlyn Richards and Steven Richards and his pride and joy great-grandson, Avery Saylor; brother, Bob (Merri) Richards; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Rick) Ledoux and Debra (Troy) McFall; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Lockport Lions Club or the charity of your choice in Jerry's name.

Visitation and Chapel Service on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 3:00pm to time of Service at 7:00pm at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com