Robert Stevens "Steve" Richards, 44, died of natural causes on Monday, October 3 at his home in South Bend.
Steve, who was also known as "Moose," was born on November 25, 1971 to Herbert Hoover Richards and Veronica Mae (Watts)"Vonnie" Richards in North Carolina. He was a US Navy veteran, who had most recently worked as a paramedic and a teacher in the South Bend area.
Survivors include Steve's mother Vonnie, his longtime love, Erica Vitale, and his brother Shane (Lynne) Richards, all of South Bend, his beloved children, Bridgette Richards, MSc, of Indianapolis, Brittany Wilson, who is currently stationed in the US Air Force in North Carolina, John Jarrett (Ashley), stationed in the US Air Force in Alaska, Kristof Richards of Indianapolis, and Dominic and Alessandra Vitale-Richards, both of South Bend.
He was preceded in death by his father and by his brother James Richards (who died in 2011).
Steve attended Indiana University at South Bend and hoped to graduate in May of 2017. He was a loving father figure to many, an avid and accomplished guitarist, a former fleet captain of the Birch Lake (Michigan) Yacht Club, and active with the Vet Center on South Bend's south side.
The funeral will take place at 1 pm on Thursday, October 6 at the Cathedral of St. James Episcopal, Dean Brian Grantz, officiating. Friends may call from 11 am to 1 pm at the church prior to the funeral. Burial will follow the funeral at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Vet Center, 4727 Miami St., South Bend, IN 46614.To send condolences, please visit www.McGannHay.com.