Saratoga Springs, NY - Donald Kirtland Richards, 100, died peacefully of respiratory failure on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Born on January 19, 1917 to Reverend Parke and Lois Richards in Sayre, PA, he was raised primarily in Lawrenceville, NJ, where for many years his father was the pastor of the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church. Don attended Lawrenceville School and Princeton University, graduating from Princeton in 1939 as an economics major. After Princeton, he began his long career at Merck and Company, where he was involved in the sale of animal feed products. Don's work at Merck was interrupted by World War II, where he proudly served as an officer with General Patton's army. After the war, he returned to Merck and Company and, in 1949, married Jean Ellen Andrews, who has been the love of his life and survives him. They raised their two children, Donald and Susan, in Bernards Township, NJ.

Seeking new challenges, Don and Jean relocated to Saratoga Springs in 1972 and he accepted a position in the Skidmore Development Office, where he worked for over a decade to raise funds to support the growth of Skidmore College on its new campus, particularly in the areas of music and science. Before and after retirement, he maintained a large number of volunteer activities in his church and community, using his fund-raising skills to contribute to important causes. One activity of which he was particularly proud was his involvement in the expansion of YAHA, Young at Heart Adults. His contributions to the community led to his being recognized by Pillar Society of Saratoga Springs.

Don's greatest love was his wife Jean and their family. Nothing delighted him more than family gatherings, especially at holidays, on camping trips or other vacations, and every summer at Silver Bay. He adored his grandchildren, and they him. He took great pleasure in seeing them grow from infancy to mature adulthood. He also had the joy of becoming acquainted with his three great grandchildren.

Don was predeceased by his parents and his three brothers, Parke, Fred, and Bob.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, survivors include his children Donald K. Richards Jr. and wife Judith of Morristown, NJ, and Susan R. McKay of Holden, ME; his four grandchildren Elizabeth McKay and husband Nathan Fleet of Canton, CT, Tracy McKay of Carlisle, PA, Donald Richards III of London, England, and David Richards and wife Kari of Princeton, NJ. He is also survived by his three great grandchildren, Colin and Benjamin Fleet and Henry Richards.

Don's family wants to express their deepest appreciation to the caregivers and other members of the medical team who enriched his life in so many ways during his final years.

There will be no public calling hours. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, June 23, at the Presbyterian – New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's memory to Shelters of Saratoga (P.O. Box 3089, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), the Presbyterian – New England Congregational Church (24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), or to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.