Trending
Tucson, AZ: Lee Richardson, 90, formerly of Silver Creek, died Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Tucson Medical Center, Tucson, AZ following a brief illness. He was born in Sheridan on December 6, 1935, the son of the late Bert and Dorothy (Farnham) Richardson.
Lee was a proud graduate of Silver Creek High School, Class of 1953. He worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at the former Kraft Foods in Fogelsville, PA before retiring in 1994 after over 30 years.
Before transferring down to the Fogelsville, PA plant, Lee worked at the former Kraft Foods in Dunkirk for many years. In the early 60’s he owned and operated the former Lee’s Sinclair Gas Station on Central Avenue in Silver Creek. While living in Silver Creek, he purchased the family farm from his mother and grew grapes until he relocated to Pennsylvania in 1986. When in Silver Creek, he taught Karen to drive the tractor at 13 so she could ride through the grapes while he pounded posts & stretched wire.
He was a car enthusiast, collected miniature classic cars and loved to watch NASCAR with Ann. Lee found a passion for cooking, bought an Instant Pot and loved trying new recipes; he was known for his spaghetti and loved sharing his creations. Lee was a “Mr. Fix-it” around the house; after having a contractor build the shell of his home, he finished the inside and built a huge barn to house his motorhome & tools. He had helped out many friends and family with his handyman skills.
Survivors include his daughter Karen Richardson & his son Jeffrey Richardson, both of Tucson and a brother-in-law Robert Sutehall of Fredonia. Also surviving are his loving companion of many years Ann (Porpiglia) Leinenbach; devoted friend Susanna (Ortega) Collins, and her daughter Gloria Hayes, who helped him through his illness by attending doctor appointments and being very loving & caring, as well as his late wife’s brother George (Anna) Pisa & sister Arlene (Jim) Minnick, and several nieces & nephews.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife of 51 years Maria Ann (Pisa) Richardson, whom he married on April 16, 1955 in Silver Creek and who died on May 7, 2006; a year after celebrating the renewal of their vows for their 50th anniversary, five sisters; Lucille Chesbro, Carol Fafinski, Shirley Meller, Joyce Richardson & Ellyn Sutehall and three brothers; Wayne “Bud”, Ernest & Howard Richardson.
Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Fredonia, NY at 1 o’clock, where he will be buried next to his late wife. The family suggests memorials may be made either to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Special Olympics of New York, Inc., 2821 Wehrle Drive, #7, Williamsville, NY 14221.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com