Chester W. ("Chet") Richardson, Jr.

Chester (Chet) W. Richardson, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at his home in Georgetown, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Swampscott, MA on January 30, 1940, Chet was the beloved son of Chester W. Sr. and Dorothy (Kindleyside) Richardson.

A proud graduate of Essex Agricultural School, Chet's early years were shaped by a love for the land and animals, which led to his involvement in 4-H, where he competed in livestock and tractor pull competitions. His mechanical talents and strong work ethic guided him to a lifelong career in the automotive field. He worked as a fleet mechanic for Commonwealth Gas Company in Cambridge, MA, where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 1994.

But Chet’s life was about far more than work. He was a man of passion, ingenuity, and a true love for life’s adventures. As a young man, he was drawn to the roar of the racetrack, becoming a stock car owner and builder. His pride and joy was the Cyclone 5 , a super modified stock car that became well known in the racing community. Over the years, Chet worked with a talented roster of drivers—Bob Woods, Jim Cheney, Kenny Richardson, Milt Blood, and Paul Richardson—earning the respect and admiration of many. Long after the engines went quiet, he could be found at the local coffee shop, table racing and reminiscing with fellow racers like his good friend Red Laroche. The laughter and stories shared at those tables were a testament to a life well-lived and friendships deeply treasured.

He gave back to his community by serving as a youth hockey referee and supporting young athletes and staying active in local life.  He was a lifetime ELKS member.

When he wasn't under the hood or swapping racing stories, Chet enjoyed golf, skiing and the open road on his Harley.  After retiring he and his wife enjoyed their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida participating in many of the activities of their Citrus Park/Bonita Terra community especially softball,  tennis and cruises with friends. 

Chet is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Karen (Gunderson) Richardson. He was a devoted father to Christine Roberts, Barry Richardson and his wife Sandy, David Richardson and his partner Colleen Marion, and Brian Richardson and his wife Carrie. He was also a caring stepfather to Tammy Plamondon and her partner Tom. He leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren—Elissa, Nikita, Nicholas, Cherie, April, Kayla, Hunter, and Krysten—and seven adored great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Virginia Buxton, and his brother Robert Richardson.

Chet will be remembered for his kind heart, mechanical brilliance, contagious laugh, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. Whether he was under a car, behind the wheel, on the golf course, or gathered around the kitchen table, Chet brought humor, wisdom, and warmth into every room. His legacy will live on in the stories shared, the engines tuned, and the family and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Family and friends are kindly invited to Chet's visitation on Wednesday, July 16th from 10 to 12 noon in the Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown, followed by his Graveside Service at the Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Lake Street, Peabody at 1PM. For those who wish, Chet may be remembered through donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or alz.org

For funeral home directions, florists or to share memories of Chet with his family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com

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