Gerald Owen Richards
June 27, 1926 ~ November 17, 2025
Gerald O. Richards, 99, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Casetta Event Space, 201 W 37th St., Sioux Falls. Contact Fred Richards at 605-251-6894 with any questions.
Gerald Owen Richards was born on June 27, 1926, in Rockport, ME, to Frederick F. Richards and Marion (Carroll) Richards. He was the younger brother of Carroll H. Richards.
Gerald was a proud graduate of Rockport High School, Class of 1944 and Clark University, Class of 1951. Gerald served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1945–1946, including overseas duty at the Lechfeld Army Air Base in Germany. After returning home, he built a long and
impressive career in remote sensing, image processing, and cartography. He retired in 1992 as Deputy Project Manager for TGS Technology at EROS Data Center, though he never stopped being fascinated by geography or maps. He was also a longtime member of the American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing (Emeritus member); St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge No. 82 (Rockport); and Gaveler’s High 12 Club No. 91 (Sioux Falls).
Gerald’s family considered him to be their rock. He was always there for them when they needed him—unselfish and giving, with quiet wisdom and strength.
Gerald had an unmatched love for lighthouses, books, photographs, and a good LL Bean sweater. He sent perfectly timed greeting cards and never forgot a birthday.
Gerald loved baseball and basketball, loved his family even more, and never wanted to be a burden, though his family was always grateful for every chance to care for him. His wit was quick, his smile could light up a room, and his satirical humor made ordinary days memorable. He was a great listener and only gave advice when needed.
Gerald was endlessly loyal and deeply loved. To know him was to be blessed by his steadiness, his stories, and his gentle, dependable presence. His family takes comfort knowing he lived a long life filled with love, laughter, curiosity, and optimism.
Gerald was a devoted husband to Nancy Richards and was endlessly proud of his son,
Frederick W. Richards, and daughter-in-law, Jane. Nothing brought him more joy than being “Grampy” to Daniel Richards and Susan Richards (Jordan Craig), and meeting his three great-grandchildren: Audie, Luca, and Jack Craig.
He will be missed beyond measure and remembered for all the beautiful ways he touched our lives.
Jane and Fred, I was so sorry to hear about your father. I remember Jane speaking so highly of him. He will be missed. All my prayers
Dear Fred and Jane, Your dad was one of my dad Alan Mellin’s best friends during and after Clark University. I spoke to Jane briefly a couple years ago after Barbara Mellin (my namesake and my dad’s sister) had passed to check in. To my siblings (Bob, Nancy and Andy) and me, he was always Uncle Gerry. He relentlessly urged my dad to go to reunions and was so kind and loving especially in the last few years of dad’s life as he was battling multiple cancers. Gerry would send books and call and chat often. Funny, erudite and compassionate he, Uncle Al (Davis) and Uncle Andy (Viglucci) are such a big part of my memories as a child. Two of my sibs’s names were honorifics to Nancy Richards and Andy Viglucci. I am too so sorry for your loss but what a wonderfully full life- and what wonderful memories. I send my and my sibs’ deepest condolences to you and to all of Uncle Gerry’s family and friends.