Obituary of Dr. Michael C. Richardson

Dr. Michael C. Richardson, age 80, of Lebanon Twp, NJ, passed peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Rolling Hills Care Center in Lebanon, NJ after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. Born in Nahant, MA, he was the son of Elwood Richardson and Mary (Cirafice) Richardson. He was a graduate of Worcester Academy and Norwich University (1967).  Always an overachiever, he received a Masters in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University (1973), a Masters in Psychology from Kean University (1981), a Professional Diploma in School Psychology from Kean University (1985), and finally and Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University (1995). 

Michael worked at the Pingry School from 1967 to 2012.  He began his career as a history teacher but finished his career as the school’s psychologist and counselor. Throughout his career, he accomplished many things including founding the women’s soccer program in 1972 for which he was inducted into the Pingry Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. In addition, he was instrumental in creating a mental health initiative and Peer Leadership program at the school.  He impacted so many students and co-workers’ lives through these achievements. After retiring from Pingry, he started his own Clinical Psychology practice.  He continued to practice until a few weeks before he passed because he wanted to help people as long as possible.

Dr. Richardson also was a man of many hobbies including piano, violin, guitar, running (NY marathon finisher in 1978 and 1979- ‘Go Jersey’), sailing, swimming, scuba-diving, bread baking, hiking, coaching his son’s little league team, and bird-watching. He treated his poodles like members of the family and spent much time caring for them. He especially loved being in nature and passed that on to all around him. 

Mr. Richardson is survived by his wife Valerie (Glasser) Richardson, his daughter Leah Richardson and son-in law David McKean from Salt Lake City, UT, his son Jacob Richardson and his wife Emilie (Roth) Richardson, their children James and Eleanore of Dubuque, IA, his sister Valerie Richardson, her son Patrick Cary and his wife Jenn Rosebach, their children Emma and Sam of Norwell, MA, and his brother Brian Richardson and wife Chrigi (Aeberhard) Richardson of Ponte Verda, FL. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins and friends.

Memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 6^th from 12:00 until 2:00PM with a service of remembrance beginning at 2:00PM. All services will be held at Martin Funeral Home, located at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Raptor Trust: https://www.theraptortrust.org/support