Stephen John Richards

Stephen John Richards, a man of profound intellect and gentle spirit, went quietly to be with Jesus on January 30, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.

Early Life and Faith

Stephen was born on September 10, 1972, the first child of Leroy and Beverly Richards. His early years began at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as his parents navigated the start of their marriage and military life. Stephen grew up as a beloved member of the Greenburgh, NY, community. Deeply rooted in the ministry of the Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, he spent his youth participating in summer camps and the Festival of Life. On March 24, 1991, Stephen publicly declared his faith in Christ, was baptized, and was received into church membership.

A Scholar and a Servant

An exceptional student, Stephen attended the Valhalla School System and Archbishop Stepinac High School before attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook and Purchase. He was recognized as both a Westchester County Black Scholar and an Honors student.

Following college, Stephen entered the U.S. Army, serving across several states before deploying to Kuwait during the height of the Iraq War. Upon returning home, he was known for his industrious nature, working with Conran’s Habitat, Union Child Care Center, and Mary Jane Pastor Realty. Most recently, he served as a merchandiser for both Sakanya Catering Services and Accent Dinette.

An Adventurous Heart

Stephen was a "modern-day St. Francis of Assisi"—sensitive, tenderhearted, and a lover of all creation. An avid adventurer, he found peace walking the wooded trails of White Plains and Greenburgh. He cherished the outdoors, especially a recent fishing trip with his father that brought him great joy. Above all, Stephen loved his family. He was the catalyst behind the "Friday Family Nights," a tradition he encouraged to keep his loved ones close.

A Legacy of Kindness

Stephen paradoxically possessed both great complexity and unyielding simplicity. He was an esoteric thinker who challenged others to delve deeply into matters of faith, nutrition, and science. Yet, with a childlike purity, his greatest ambition was simply to be kind. He found his deepest satisfaction in being generous and helpful to those around him.

Family

Stephen’s memory will be cherished by his parents, Rev. Leroy and Beverly Richards; his siblings, Christopher (Irvette) Richards; Shawna (Joey) Renzine; and Ashley (Chad) Tavares; and grandmother, Maisie Richards. He is also survived by his aunts, Monica Goodger; Yvonne (Don) Caverly; and Sylvia Rosario; uncle, Anton Richards. Cousins Natasha Caverly and Nathaniel (Carrie) Knight.

He was a devoted uncle to his nieces: Najah, Isabella, Avery, and Gracie; his nephews: Christopher Jr., Caiden, Rosario and Simba. He also leaves behind Suzie Parsard and a host of other nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Cleveland Richards and Ferdinand Rosario, and his grandmother, Ivy Thomas.

Steve, oh how we will miss your sweet smile, your laughter, and your gentleness. We grieve in hope, knowing we will see you again in a more glorious light, where Jesus will make our loving, caring, and sharing complete.