Clinton I. Richards

December 1, 1943 - May 25, 2025

With reverence and gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Pastor Clinton I. Richards, who departed this life peacefully on the evening of May 25, 2025. He was 81 years old.

Born on December 1, 1943, in Mount Charles, Jamaica, to Delmina Gordon and Cleveland Richards, Clinton lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. In 1969, he journeyed to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities, a bold step that would define a life of spiritual leadership and unwavering devotion to others.

While visiting Washington, D.C., Clinton met the love of his life, Cherry, and they were married on December 23, 1972. The couple later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where they began building a home and family. He was a proud and loving father to Keith, Nadine (Jean Polynice), Bernard, and Marsha. He cherished his role as a grandfather to Soraya Polynice and Donovan Richards, who brought him great pride and joy.

Pastor Richards also leaves behind a large and loving extended family. He is survived by his siblings: Glasford Richards, Joyce Richards-Martin, Delores  Richards-Archer, Margaret-Ann Richards, Ruth Richards-Brown, Gloria Richards, Ransford Richards, Newton Richards, Martin Richards, Oral Richards, Lynden Richards, and Rudolph Thompson and Almarine Boyden. He is predeceased by his beloved siblings Barbara Richards, Tania  Richards, and Ronald Thompson.

In addition to his family life, Pastor Richards was a dedicated servant of God. Early in his spiritual walk, he joined the Seventh Day Church of God faith, where he served as a deacon. In the 1980s, he was ordained a pastor at Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day in Brooklyn, NY. Later, he answered God’s calling to establish and lead the Unity Church of God 7th Day in Trenton, New Jersey—a ministry through which he touched countless lives with his gentle spirit, wisdom, and compassion.

Pastor Richards also worked for many years in the construction industry in New York City and New Jersey. A man of quiet strength and deep generosity, he never hesitated to help others. He was instrumental in helping numerous family members immigrate to the United States, guiding them with love as they built new lives and sought out greater opportunities.

Those who knew him remember his calm demeanor, unwavering faith, and the kind of love that left lasting impressions. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the church he founded, and the lives he helped transform.

A celebration of Pastor Clinton I. Richards’ life will be held to honor the extraordinary man he was and the enduring impact he made. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville.

Funeral services will follow from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

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