Ronald Richards, 77, of Emmaus, died January 4, 2013, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township after a prolonged illness. He was the husband of Dorothy (Holton) Richards for 56 years. Born in Coaldale, he was the youngest son of the late Norman and Hilda Richards.

He was a graduate of Coaldale High School, class of 1953 where he participated in sports.

He served in the U.S. Navy and spent time aboard the USS Pictor.

He worked for Air Products and later owned and operated a jewelry store for 48 years.

He was an active member for many years in the Emmaus Rotary and Emmaus Masonic Lodge.

He was a past member of the Emmaus Booster Club and past football and basketball official in the PIAA.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Gail and her husband Wayne Phillips, of New Tripoli, Carol J. and her husband Charles Brown, of Zionsville, Shari and her husband Mark Weinsheimer, of Ephrata, Susan Wentz, of Summit Hill and Barbra and her husband James Stephens, of Middletown, Del.; grandchildren, Richard Gair II, David Gair, Kristin Brown, Jaclyn Phillips, Brianne Stephens, Zachar Brown, Ashley Wentz, Matthew Brown, James R. Stephens and William Mitchell; great-grandsons, Ryan and Connor; brothers, Clarence, of Florida and Evan, of Coaldale; sister-in-law, Joan, of Florida; many nieces and nephews; many friends and business associates and customers; many in-laws still living in the Wisconsin area.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus. Call 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday with Masonic services 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 to 10 a.m., Thursday in the funeral home.