Clifford "Kippy" Richards

Clifford H. “Kippy” Richards, 71, a lifelong Worcester resident passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the family he loved, Saturday, August 9th 2025. Kippy is reunited in heaven with his dear son, Randy who passed away in 2022.

Kippy was born, July 17, 1954, in Worcester, the son of Stanley and Marcella (Bartlett) Richards. Raised in North Worcester, Clifford, attended Burncoat High School and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade with a focus in culinary arts. Kippy met and fell in love with Susan Kelleher in 1973, they married two years later and spent the next 50 years dedicated to each other, raising their family. Kippy worked more than 15 years for Iatsi Company as a member of the setup crew for the Worcester Centrum, now DCU center.

He is survived by his love Susan, four children, Kerry Benoit and her longtime companion Michael Ranese, Lisa Richards, and Katie Lee Richards, Robbie Richards and his wife Molly all of Worcester; two sisters, Beth Landine, Evelyn Ward and her husband Thomas of Rockland, Maine; seven grandchildren, Kristine Benoit, Devin Richards, Anastasia Ranese, Kyle Benoit, Lianna and Laney Bergeron, Katelyn Benoit; two great grandchildren, August and Aliyus Newman; his best friend and pet dog, “Jackson”; In-laws, Thomas and Joan (Chumsea) Kelleher, Sally Adams and her husband Gary in North Carolina, and Wendy Lesh of Florida; nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to his son and parents, Clifford was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Steven Lesh.

Kippy’s passion was music of all types, his Favorite being Classic Rock “Jimmy Hendrix” . He notably played several instruments: the Guitar, Bass Guitar and the drums and enjoyed performing as a DJ, for family gatherings. He was an avid sports player his entire life; he founded and coached his own softball team, “KR Stars” and lead them over the years to two championships. When his children were young, he also coached little league and softball teams. Kip liked to bowl belonging to a bowling league, and member of the Ice Cats booster club. As a sports enthusiast, watching professional games were an enjoyment, his favorite the Philadelphia Flyers, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Celtics and Indianapolis Colts. Kippy had many hobbies, like building classic horror monsters or villains, or his love for fishing, tossing a line or few poles in the water. But, greatest moments were those spent with his children and grandchildren, during the holidays, special occasions or family gatherings. Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Wednesday, August 13th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm followed by his funeral service in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be private