In Memoriam: Dr. Charles Richardson 1928 - 2010

It is with deep regret that Rider University announces the passing of Dr. Charles Richardson, professor emeritus of History, who died on Tuesday, November 30 due to complications from a fall following a long illness.

“Charlie,” to his multitude of friends, taught history full time at Rider from 1967 until 2003, when he officially retired. He continued teaching on an adjunct basis through the spring of 2010, when declining health forced him, reluctantly, to stop. He was a specialist in modern European history and the history of the Middle East. As well as teaching upper-level courses in those fields, he also participated in teaching the core courses on World History. 

Dr. Richardson was deeply engaged with students, not only in the classroom, but outside of it as well. He and Mrs. Richardson graciously made their home the “permanent social headquarters for student-faculty gatherings,” as he put it – the site of winter awards banquets and spring awards picnics for students, faculty and alumni for more than two decades. Their warm welcome and genuine interest in the students always made even the shyest freshmen feel at home and even the most stressed-out seniors relax at least for a little while.

Dr. Richardson was also active in the AAUP, having served in many bargaining unit offices. Dr. Richardson served on myriad committees, cheered the Rider sports teams, and delighted in plays and performances on both campuses. He was thoroughly immersed in the life of the University in all its aspects, and we, as a community, were the richer for it. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service for Dr. Richardson will be held on Saturday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church. In addition, the History department will host a celebration of his life on the Rider campus early in the spring semester on a date to be determined.