Obituary: Robert Lee 'Bob' Richardson

Robert Lee “Bob” Richardson, 74, of Longboat Key, died Oct. 12.

Mr. Richardson was born Jan. 18, 1940, in Stamford, Conn., and resided in nearby Norwalk with his children and then wife, Marilyn, for 45 years until he retired to Longboat Key. He graduated from Stamford High School and the RCA Institute with an associate’s degree in electrical engineering.

Mr. Richardson worked for Reflectone in Amarillo, Texas, where he trained military air traffic controllers in the use of radar systems. He also worked at the R.T. Vanderbilt Chemical Corp. in Norwalk, Conn. During his semi-retirement on Longboat Key, he leisurely pursued a career in real estate.

Mr. Richardson was a lifelong avid fisherman, and he enjoyed trolling the waters of Long Island Sound for bluefish and striped bass. He also enjoyed working with his hands and built a weekend vacation home in Mount Holley, Vt., over a 10-year span.

While living on Longboat Key he often fished for grouper in his Boston Whaler. Sailing was another favorite pastime; he spent one summer touring the islands of the Bahamas on his sailboat. Throughout his life he was an active tennis player and enjoyed teaching the game to his children.

While living in Florida, he looked forward to weekly matches with his friends.

Mr. Richardson was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann Richardson and Taft Lee Richardson.
Mr. Richardson is survived by daughters Robin Richardson, of Norwalk, Conn., and Karen Lindwall of Ridgefield, Conn.; and three grandchildren.

Burial services for Mr. Richardson were held Oct. 16, at Sarasota Memorial Cemetery.