On Saturday, May 23rd, Chief of Department Burnett and members of the fire department attended the memorial service for George M. Richardson II, Past President of the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The services were held at the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Palmyra. Past President Richardson passed away after a long illness on April 22nd in Kissimmee, Florida with loved ones at his side. He was 65 years old.

Born in Camden, N.J., George lived in Long Beach Island, Willingboro, and Lumberton, before moving to Florida in 2006.

He worked as a financial planner and insurance agent, and later at the Happiest Place on Earth - Walt Disney World, as a vacation planner. It was a dream come true. He loved meeting new people, and was always making friends.

He was a volunteer fireman and the president of the Willingboro Fire Department in 1973, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1986 and 1987. He was also a fire commissioner and chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. He was a member of the Willingboro Board of Education from 1974-1983, and was president of the Board in 1978 and 1983.

He loved to travel, and was proud that he made it to all 50 states. He was passionate about politics and attended two presidential inaugurations. He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He loved his dogs, Spuds, Elmo, Stanley, and Snoopy. His sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his mother, Anne Richardson, and his sisters, Renee Vonderkall and Dena Richardson, George is survived by his children, Dr. Debra L. Richardson of Dallas, Texas, Denise Richardson of Voorhees, and Gary Richardson of Boca Raton, Fla.; his brother, Wayne Richardson (Mary Ann) of Haddon Township; his nephews, Christopher Richardson (Lee Ann), Douglas Richardson (Michelle), Jerryd Sack (Elaine); his niece, Krista MacIntosh (Ronnie); grand nieces and nephews, Galen, Celia, Noah, Rosalie, Parker, Payton, Caidan, and Zackary; cousins, Jaqueline Harrington (Frank) and Joan Liversidge (Rich); and caregiver, Michael Sciolino.

Past Fire Chief David Andrade, one of George's closest friends, gave a eulogy at the service. He spoke of George's caring nature, love for his family, and dedication to the Township of Willingboro when he resided in town. George's son Gary also gave a eulogy at the service. Chief of Department Burnett presented the family with a proclamation from the Township of Willingboro, honoring George for his service to the community.

Once the service was completed, members of the department stood in formation and saluted the Richardson family as they proceeded to Engine 1632. George's three children rode on Engine 1632 with his urn for the procession to the cemetery. The procession was lead to the Harleigh Cemetary in Camden by Chief of Department Burnett and Captain Gardner in command vehicles, Engines 1632 and 1611, and Fire Police Unit 1618. A short service was held inside the mausoleum, and members of the department gave George and his family a final salute as they entered the mausoleum. After the service, his children took the urn to the family's burial plot.

The Willingboro Fire Department would like to thank the Delarn Fire Department, Station 231 for standing buy at Willingboro Fire Headquarters while the department attended the memorial service. The department would also like to thank police departments from Willingboro, Palmyra, Cinnaminson, and Pennsauken for their assistance during the funeral procession.