Cpl Theodore (Ted) R. Richardson, 96, died peacefully at his home in Waikiki, HI on July 11, 2021. A WWII Marine veteran, Cpl Richardson was the last known survivor of the Battle of Guadalcanal. Cpl Richardson fought in some of the fiercest Marine battles of World War II and was a member of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, the most highly decorated battalion in the history of the United States Marine Corps. At just 17 years old, Cpl Richardson was part of the 1st Marine Division's initial assault on Tulagi in the Battle of Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942, the first U.S. ground offensive in World War II. Cpl Richardson served overseas for 30 months and participated in battles on Tulagi, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and New Britain. Ted served with and became friends with some of the most legendary Marines, including Chesty Puller, Lou Diamond, Lew Walt, and John Basilone.
Ted was born on January 2, 1925 in Scranton, PA, the son of Samuel and Catherine Richardson. He graduated from Dunmore High School in January 1942 and enlisted that same month. After the war, Ted married the love of his life, the former Florence M. McBride. They were together over 72 years.
After serving his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps, Ted became a teacher, principal, coach, and counselor to hundreds of students and for nearly four decades, faithfully served the prestigious Porter Military Academy, which later became the Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, SC. He touched many students' lives from 1954-1992 and still kept up with many of them. Ted was a devout man of God who loved his country, the Marine Corps, his family, and sports, especially college football. He was a football scout for Lou Holtz of the famed Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. During the war, Ted fell in love with the Pacific and after retirement, he and Florence permanently relocated to Hawaii, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Ted had an infectious smile and never met a stranger. He loved to ride the bus and traveled to visit Florence at Punchbowl six days a week, visiting her over 2,000 times. On July 20, 2021, he'll make his final journey to Punchbowl where he will be at rest with his beloved bride forever.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished sister, Doris; and his beloved wife, Florence. Ted is survived by his son, Terry (Maria) Richardson of Charleston, SC and daughters Ho King Yiu, Ho King Ying, and Yoshiko Oki.
Due to COVID restrictions, private funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on July 20, 2021 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 539 Kapahulu Ave. for friends and family. A graveside service open to the public will follow later that afternoon at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to attend the service at Punchbowl. If you wish to make a donation in Ted's honor, please donate to the charity of your choice or St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
