John Yulee Richardson, Jr.

John, a man whose warmth and charisma could turn strangers into friends and make any conversation unforgettable, passed away peacefully at home on June 8th, surrounded by family. John will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his gentle humor, his intellect, his modesty, and his devotion to and unconditional love for family. John touched many lives through his dedication to his profession, his classmates and colleagues, and his many community activities.

John was born in Richmond, Virginia on December 19, 1952 to John Yulee (Brux) Richardson and Octavia Friend Guthrie Richardson, and grew up in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. John (Yulee) graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1975 with a civil engineering degree. Following his graduation, John worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1976, John entered T.C. Williams Law School at the University of Richmond, graduating in 1979. Following law school, John clerked for Virginia Supreme Court Justice Albertis S. Harrison Jr. and then joined the firm of Williams, Worrell, Kelly & Greer, becoming partner in 1984.

While at Williams, Kelly & Greer, John represented Norfolk Southern Corporation and State Farm Insurance Company and was involved in several high-profile cases including representation of Columbia University in the “Central America” gold case.

In 1998, John accepted a position as a civilian lawyer with the United States Navy. In 1999 he went to work for the City Attorney of Norfolk where he held the position of Deputy City Attorney for thirteen years before retiring in 2011. While working at the City Attorney’s office, he served as President of the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association from 2000-2001. John was particularly proud of the Diversity in the Professions program at Norview High School in Norfolk that he and his close friend, Rear Admiral Julius S. Caesar, organized in 2009. In 2012, John was awarded the Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association Eggleston l’Anson Professionalism Award, honoring those members of the local Bar Association, who have, over a substantial period of time, exhibited the traits of honesty, candor, fairness, and have demonstrated profound respect for the law, the judicial system, and the legal profession.

John was well known for his dedicated community service. He volunteered for many organizations, including the Virginia Beach Community Services Board, where he served as member and chair. For many years, John volunteered weekly at St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen. In addition, John served as a coach for his sons John and Andrew, and many other youth in the Neighborhood Youth Soccer League for over a decade. John was also a devoted sports fan, particularly for his beloved Washington Redskins and Chicago Cubs.

John was preceded in death by his parents John Yulee Richardson, Octavia Friend Guthrie Richardson, his father-in-law, Judge Joseph Ferdinand Spinella, and his brother, Graham Robert Oslin, and is survived by his wife, Karen, of 48 years, his daughter Marie Harris Richardson, and his sons, John Joseph Richardson (Ashley) and Andrew Harrison Richardson (Stephanie). John is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Mark Yulee (6), Jeremiah Graham (5), Cecilia Joan (3), Grayson Steven (2), and Genevieve Marie (2.) Also surviving are his mother-in-Law and housemate Gloria Spinella, sister Helen Branch Richardson (James), sister-in-law Louise O’Sullivan-Oslin, brother-in-law and sister-in-Law Michael and Catherine Spinella, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially recognize those who loved and supported John in his later years. We will always be grateful for your companionship and the smiles you brought to John’s face. Belinda, Donna, Dave, Joann, Gail, and Joyce, and Patti and Kevin from St. Luke’s Pastoral Care - your compassion and care will never be forgotten. The family is also grateful for the support and care of Sentara Hospice Services.

A graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the family cemetery located at Ridgeway in Dinwiddie, VA. 

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests contributions be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.