Edwin Richards Obituary

Edwin George Richards passed away peacefully at the Compass Hospice Facility in Centreville, Maryland, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was 87 years old.

Edwin "Ed" was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 18, 1938, to the late William Earl and Agnes Richards. He had one brother, Roger. As a young boy, Ed moved with his family to the nation's capital where his father worked as a cartographer.

Mr. Richards attended the University of Maryland, where he received his BA in government. "Tiny" played tackle for the U of MD Terrapins. Importantly, Ed met Beatrix "Paddy" Duggan, whom he married June 23, 1962.

Ed and Paddy moved several times around the Maryland/Delaware region. Ed obtained a master's degree from the University of Delaware in urban affairs and subsequently held many jobs within the Delaware Department of Housing. They had two children: Beatrix "Trix" and David Richards.

Next Ed and family moved to Caroline (the "Green Garden") county, the Millhouse was home. He served as County Administrator of Caroline County for 25 years. He was on many boards and commissions, and served on critical areas, and land preservation committees. Ed was known for riding his bike through Caroline County to check the roads. It is rumored that the roads crew used to walkie talkie each other "the eagle is flying".

Ed made sure his family had a firsthand education by traveling with extended stays in Ireland, Wales, and Frances. They also toured the United States in their Airstream RV. The RV was resurrected as hurricane Agnes passed. Ed served coffee and warm food to neighbors who were without electricity. Their trips to Canada were remembered at Christman when the Richards antique horse sleights from Magog were displayed most recently with flying reindeer.

After retiring, Ed taught at Chesapeake College, and the University of Maryland. Serving in The Peace Corp was a lifelong dream of Ed, and at the age of 73 he joined and served in Kyrgyzstan from 2007 to 2009. He also served in British Ghana in 2011.

In his later retirement, Ed enjoyed working on his property in Williston, MD. He owned acreage behind Williston Mill, where he worked on digging out the ship channel going out from the mill. In addition, he planted 300 Balsam firs to help preserve this critical ecological area. This was his happy place.

Edwin is survived by his wife, Beatrix D. Richards; two children Beatrix H. Richards, and David Y. Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents: William and Agnes Richards; and his brother, Roger.

Services are private.

To offer online condolences please visit moorefuneralhomepa.com.