John L. Richardson, Sr., "Johnny" was born on August 9, 1942 in Portsmouth, VA to the late Katie B. Richardson and Jessie James Richardson.  He was preceded in death by his sisters:  Penny Rae Keeling, Claytee Seaborne, and Gracie Dandridge all of Portsmouth, VA and four brothers: Percy Richardson, Lee James Richardson, and Jessie J. Richardson.

John passed away on September 10, 2022 in his home.

John resided in Virginia Beach, VA for many years until his health failed.  John attended I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA.  He met and married his wife Brenda of Norfolk VA whom she so affectionately called "Bae".  From this union of some 59 years he leaves to mourn his passing Augustine Magee (Kenneth) of Suffolk, VA, Ivy Smith, of Chesapeake, VA, Christopher Richardson of New York, John Richardson, II (Linda) of Portsmouth, Stephanie Boone (Rodney) of Norfolk, VA, Trina Christmas (Ronald) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Dedrick Richardson (Patricia) of Virginia Beach, VA; Two brothers Nathaniel Richardson (Carolyn) of Portsmouth, VA, and Sidney Ray Richardson of Washington D.C. Extended Family:  Gainell Smith of Nashville, NC, Bertha Wallace, of Ohio, Ella Richardson and Rosa Foster both of Washington D.C., Betty Croom (Donald) of Rocky Mount, NC, and Ida Brantley of Raleigh, NC. He also leave behind 14 grand-children, 37 great-grands, a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.

John, also known as "John Boy", worked faithfully at Norfolk General Hospital for many years in the dietary department until he retired. Many co-workers, friends, and family members often commented on how tasty their meals were at Norfolk General.  He also worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company for years.  He often took the family on picnics, had a passion for playing the guitar, loved listening to music (Al Green was his favorite) and enjoyed crabbing.  He recently began to take an interest in the Christian Meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses and would be present on Zoom for every meeting. He made many expressions of what he enjoyed. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 41: 10, 13.