Ernesto George Richards

Ernesto G. Richards, affectionately known as "Tito", of Fanwood, New Jersey passed away at the age of 81 on August 25, 2026. Born in Panama City, Panama, on November 2, 1944, Ernesto was the son of Ernest G. Richards and Carmen A. Guittens and one of five children. Ernesto’s military career was distinguished by dedication and numerous honors. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. He was deployed to Vietnam and subsequently assigned to Korea where he served from 1968 to 1969. His Army awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. His commitment to his adopted country continued in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he served from 1978 to 2003, and later served on active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2004. Among his Air Force awards were the Air Force Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, and National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star. In 1969, Ernesto joined the staff of Chase Manhattan Bank. After 31 years of faithful service and a successful career at Chase, he retired as Assistant Treasurer in the Asset Management group.. Ernesto met the love of his life, Olivia, while they both were working at Chase. They shared half a century of cherished marriage and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 27, just two days after his passing. He was a devoted father to their two children, Lenka and Jason, a very proud grandfather to Ethan and Kai, and father-in-law to Kerri. He built a life centered around the things that mattered most to him: family, friendships, service, and bringing joy to the people around him. Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roberto (Chunchu). He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Olivia, children Lenka and Jason (Kerri), grandchildren Ethan and Kai, siblings Oscar (Gloria), Vilma Leticia Richards-Pond (Guillermo), Raymundo, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a circle of dear friends.