Lorne Edgar Richards died peacefully in the morning of November 22, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in the presence of his family.
Lorne was born in Poughkeepsie on March 14, 1930. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1948 and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Lorne served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy for the next two years.
Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Meglaughlin, in 1954, and joined IBM as an engineer. He and Betty were happily married for 33 years, until Betty passed away in 1987. Lorne retired from IBM, as a senior engineering manager in 1991, after a successful and very happy 37 year career there. It was typical for Lorne to make long term commitments and find success and happiness in them.
So it was no surprise when Lorne married Ruth Anne Dick in 1992 and thereafter enjoyed a happy 24 year marriage. He always considered himself a very lucky man.
Lorne was an active member and leader in Poughkeepsie’s First Presbyterian Church from 1954 to 2009 and thereafter in the Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church. He loved the majesty and music of a church service and especially a good sermon. He was an active member of Poughkeepsie’s Rotary Club for many years, where he enjoyed many fundraising and service projects for the community.
As an avid collector of antique cars, Lorne was a longtime member of the Mid-Hudson Antique Car Club of America. He restored several cars and won national awards for his restoration work. His collection has included a 1910 White steam car, a 1921 Ford Model T, a 1932 Chevrolet Convertible and a 1939 Chevrolet Woody. Lorne also enjoyed restoring clocks and furniture.
Lorne enjoyed family gatherings at his Adirondack camp in Long Lake, New York and after his retirement he loved traveling around Europe with Ruth Anne.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne Dick Richards; his son Steve, wife Carla, and their daughters Hadley and Olivia; his daughter Dawn, husband Kurt Altmann, and their two children, Sarah and Alex, and; his daughter Gwynne, husband John Bayne, and their sons Ryan, Connor, Kevin and Liam.
Lorne is also survived by five step-children: son Bill Dick, wife Katrina, and their sons Allen, Corey and Barrett; son Scott Dick; son Andy Dick, wife Tara, and their children Andrew and Katie; son Mark Dick, wife Arlene, and their children Steven and Allie, and; daughter Dawn-Lynn Dick Crawford and her husband Joseph.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews and their children, including Peter and Hilary Richards; Susan Richards; Mary Ellen and Mitchell Greenberg; George and Deborah Loussedes and; Paul and Kelly Loussedes.
He was predeceased by his brothers H. Paul Richards and Jeffery C. Richards. Like Lorne, both were lifelong residents of Poughkeepsie.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 27 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church at 1168 State Route 55, Lagrangeville, New York 12540. Ruth Anne and Lorne’s children encourage Lorne’s many friends and extended family to attend a special memorial service, to be held at noon on Monday, November 28 at the Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church.
The Richards Family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to: Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church, 1168 State Route 55, Lagrangeville, New York 12540. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son F.H., Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com

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