Charles Richardson's Obituary
Charles Michael (Chuck) Richardson, 45, was born April 17, 1971 in Lancaster, CA. and died March 5, 2017 in Huntersville, N.C. Chuck grew up and attended elementary and high school in Rosamond, CA. In 1989 he began a 27 year career in food service, starting with working in and managing fast food restaurants in Lancaster, CA. In 1997 he moved to North Carolina and worked in and managed CCSA kitchens in Chapel Hill and Durham, N.C. In 2010 he became a cook for the Levine Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, N.C. The kitchen at the hospice house is named in honor of Chuck.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years Laura Pitts Richardson, their daughter Alessandra Teresa-Rose and his son from a previous marriage, Michael Henry, his mother Kathleen Elaine Baker (Bill) and father Joseph Michael Richardson and numerous step siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Chuck loved his family, Laura, Michael and Ali. The absolute happiest anyone ever saw Chuck was when he was around them. Chuck had a deep affection for a wide circle of family members, friends and co-workers with whom he greatly enjoyed travel, parties, movies and Lakers’ games. He was out-going, exuberant and funny. Chuck had a keen, inquisitive mind, read extensively and loved to discuss and argue any number of topics. And, he had a great smile.
But, after family, the core of Chuck’s life was charity work for the least fortunate among us. Twice he and Laura rode bicycles across the USA to increase awareness and raise funds to combat extreme poverty and illiteracy. He organized and participated in many fund raising projects including walking from North Carolina to Washington D.C., and lobbying elected officials, all for the cause of reducing poverty. Chuck would accept different opinions on many things, but on his fierce belief in the essential duty of caring for the poor, he was unyielding.
So, we, his family and friends, will best remember Chuck by enlarging our efforts to support and comfort the poor and those suffering around the world.
A memorial and celebration of life will be held for Chuck at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at James Funeral home in Huntersville, NC.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders.
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