Carl J. Richards

Age 70, of Silver Springs, passed away at home on September 9, 2025.

He was born on August 30, 1955, in Warsaw, son of the late Gordon and Lucile Shaw Richards. Carl graduated from Perry Central School, class of 1974. After high school, Carl joined the family dairy farm with his father and brother, Jim. Although he worked on the family farm, his love was at the end of a wrench, either turning it or throwing it. Carl was an excellent mechanic. He truly could bring the dead back to life where an old motor was concerned.

In 1980 Carl wed Connie Parmenter and they shared 45 years of marriage together. He was a gentle old soul that was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Carl loved his kids and grandkids, and it was rare for him to miss one of their events.

After retirement from the farm, he remained interested in driving truck at harvest time. Retirement also gave him time to tinker. This included his Model A restoration, as well as restoring his other trucks and tractors. Carl would become an avid Tradio fan and you could find Tradio telephone numbers written all over his buildings. It was better if you didn’t call him during a Tradio broadcast.

Over the years Carl was a member of the Wyoming County Fair Association of Pike, the Western New York Gas and Steam Engine Association of Alexander, the New York Steam Engine Association, and the Model A Ford Club of America. He also taught 4-H small engine school for many years.

Predeceased along with his parents are, his in-laws, Fred and Wilma Parmenter; a nephew, Paul Richards; his brothers-in-law, Harold Myers, Bruce Miller and Wayne Hale; his sisters-in-law, Laura Richards and Patty Parmenter; as well as, his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Mickalie Parmenter.

Surviving along with his wife are, his daughters, Chloe (Jason) Straw of Pike, Crystal (Michael) Kelly of Rockville, MD, Clarinda (Jeffrey) Smith of Gainesville; his grandchildren, Jackson, Sophie, and Anna Straw, Nora and Sloane Kelly, Ivy and Oliver Smith; a sister, Joan Meyers; a brother, James Richards; his sisters-in-law, Kathy (George Bennett) Parmenter, Becky (Bill Beardsley) Hale; his brother-in-law, Tim “Smiley” Parmenter; and life long friends, Stanley Klein, Rich Merrill and Marshall Kelly.

A private viewing will be held by the family at their convenience. A celebration of life for friends and family will be held October 11, 2025 from 1-4 PM at the Pike Fire Hall, 67 W. Main St., Pike, NY. In honor of Carl, please drive your old cars. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church of Perry Center, 7205 Perry Center Rd, Perry, NY 14530; the Calvary Chapel, 181 S Main St, Perry, NY 14530; the Wyoming County Fair Association, 181 S Main St, Perry, NY 14530; or the fire department of your choice.