Gene Richardson, 76, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born in Munich, Germany, on June 17, 1950. His father, Herman Richardson Jr., was a career soldier serving in the United States Army. Toward the end of World War II, Herman met Gene’s mother, Emma Augusta Urban, who had just endured years of hardship in war-torn Germany.

The family soon returned to the United States, where Herman was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. After Gene’s younger brother, Dennis, was born, the family was transferred back to Germany. The Vietnam War uprooted them once again, this time to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. There, Gene attended Buena High School in Sierra Vista, where he played varsity football and graduated with the class of 1969. His father, then serving in Vietnam, was unable to be there to see him graduate, and sadly, he never made it home. Command Sergeant Major Herman Richardson Jr. died on August 26, 1969, from injuries sustained in Vietnam.

After the family laid Herman to rest in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a close family friend invited Emma and her two sons to live with them in Willingboro, New Jersey. Once the family had settled into a home of their own, Gene attended Burlington County College before transferring to Trenton State College, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in educational health sciences.

After graduating, Gene began his teaching career at Albert E. Grice Middle School in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. But his entrepreneurial spirit soon kicked in. He left teaching to start his own business, Modtique Designs, specializing in commercial and residential dried floral concepts. The business soon attracted attention and was featured on NBC’s Evening Magazine, a hugely popular television program at the time. His mother, Emma, was so proud of that moment.

In time, Gene was ready for another change. Known for his dynamic personality, he decided to pursue a career in sales. One morning, he put on his best suit and walked into a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. No appointment. No experience in the high-end automotive industry. Just Gene being Gene.

It was his lucky day. The owner happened to notice Gene working the room, as he always did, and was impressed. That first impression grew into a 26-year career that lasted until Gene retired.

Gene was as authentic as it gets. A people person through and through, he had a way of making you feel special in his presence. Eye contact and firm handshakes were always in abundance. Thoughtful, tenacious, and kind. That was Gene.

Usually up before the crack of dawn, he would go for a run and finish a full weight workout before most people had their first cup of coffee. His adventurous spirit showed itself in so many ways: skiing, skydiving, caving, white-water rafting, photography, poetry, and even sailing aboard a tall ship in the West Indies.

Gene also found tremendous joy working on his home. Back in the day, his Home Depot was open 24 hours, and it wasn’t uncommon to find Gene scouring aisle 3 at 2 a.m. He had a tool for every project and a project for every tool. Home Depot was his second home. The man should have had his own parking spot.

But the best deal Gene ever closed was winning the heart of Patti, his wife of 36 years. Through hardships and good times alike, their love for one another stood the test of time. Together, they welcomed their son, Alex, who went on to marry Anna. Later came two beautiful granddaughters, Madeline and Emma, who brought Gene tremendous joy.

Gene lived life on his own terms. He embraced every opportunity, pursued every passion, built meaningful relationships, and left an impression wherever he went. A longtime member of Fellowship Alliance Chapel, he was a man of deep and steadfast faith. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Gene was predeceased by his father, Herman Richardson Jr., and his mother, Emma Richardson (née Urban).

He is survived by his loving wife, Patti Richardson (née Pinnel); his son, Alex Richardson, and daughter-in-law, Anna; his cherished granddaughters, Madeline and Emma; and his brother, Dennis Richardson, and sister-in-law, Marcella, and their daughters, Isabella and Sophia.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at Fellowship Alliance Chapel, 199 Church Road, Medford, New Jersey. A memorial service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Arr. by Bocco Funeral Home, Cherry Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gene’s memory to The Tender Alzheimer’s Respite in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, whose staff was incredibly supportive and comforting during an extremely difficult time. Donations may be made online at:

https://the-tender-memorial-and-tribute-donations.raiselysite.com

The family would be grateful to receive any photos or memories of Gene you would like to share. Please share them here:

https://form.jotform.com/263056467519061