Obituary of Terry Aquinas Richardson

Terry Aquinas Richardson 

… was 74 when he passed on Friday, July 26, 2024 in Sacramento CA after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s.

 

Terry was born in Fresno CA to Edward & Mary Richardson on October 30, 1949. He attended grade school, San Joaquin Memorial High School and graduated from Fresno State College with a degree in Planning Engineering. He married Angela Morales Richardson on March 19, 1988 in Sacramento. 

 

Terry worked as a City Planner for the cities of Madera, Valencia and Rocklin CA where he worked for over 31 years. The city of Rocklin had a population of under 8,000 when he was hired to be their sole planner. His success as their planner promoted him first to Rocklin Planning Director, then to their Community Development Director and finally as their Assistant City Manager. Under his direction, the population increased to over 19,000 by 1990, a growth of 159%. By the time he retired in 2010, the city’s population had grown to almost 58,000 with large multinational corporations, retail outlets, education institutions, government agencies and residential communities such as Stanford Ranch. 

 

Terry was featured on the cover of the Sacramento Magazine’s August 2006 issue, “The Best Laid Plans”. Richardson’s name was added to Rocklin’s Wall of Recognition on his birthday in 2021.

 

 He served Rocklin for 31 years, starting as the City’s only planning employee and rising to hold roles including planning director, director of community development, and assistant city manager. Richardson was instrumental in drafting the city’s general plan and guided Rocklin from a mostly undeveloped small town to the premier, family-oriented community it is today.

He had a vision for the future for Rocklin and was committed to smart development. 1

 

Terry loved to attend Broadway plays, go to concerts and music venues, and to travel, especially to other California cities. He especially enjoyed California’s coastal and wine communities. He enjoyed attending and watching sports, especially the Fresno Bulldogs, the 49ers, the Kings and the Giants. As his Alzheimer’s progressed he never tired of watching AFV American Funny Videos, always with a joyful laugh! He loved to dance and always enjoyed hosting family gatherings and parties in his home. 

 

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Richardson and his brother, Ronald Richardson.

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Angela, of over 36 years (whom he loved to tease); his adult children, Edward “Aquinas” Richardson, Benjamin Wills, Lindsay “Rori” Villarreal (Sergio), and Sidney “Chevis” Richardson (Andrea), Daniel and Tasha Brent; grandchildren, Tahlia, Asareay, Cordae, Michael, Emily, Kyra, Isla, Mira, Thea, Malachi and Kai.

 

He is also survived by his brother Wayne (Shirley) sister Lynn (Walter); many aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends; his life long BFFs Taylor “Romy” Murrell and Yale Burke; his ex-wife, Mary Ann and her daughter Maya.

 

Additionally Angela extends a huge thanks for all who have supported her during this difficult time in her life including her sisters, Viveca Ross (brother in law, Eric) and Monica Loving (Steve), her extended family, Daniel and Tasha Brent, and her “Steel Magnolias” Mona Royster and Margaret Brown —who were always there at a moments notice.

 

Terry’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his in home care givers, Anna Tran and Meloti Paea; Dr Gritti, his home care nurse, Ed, physical therapist, Kyle, speech therapist, Ken, Hospice nurse, Elvia and Hospice social worker, Gia. 

 

His family has opted to have a private celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of plants and flowers, please provide a donation to the Alzheimer’s research in Terry’s name on the link below. Thanks.

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=

giving_google&s_subsrc=giving_google&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1qaFS4pCLodrQPMsAn8ay3pc

 

https://www.rocklin.ca.us/article/terry-richardson-added-wall-recognition

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