Joseph Bruce Richardson, worked in law enforcement

Joseph Bruce Richardson, 67, of Ocean View, and formerly of Montgomery County, Md., and Baltimore, Md., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Tuesday, May 30, 2017.

Joe, known to many as Bruce, was born in Washington, D.C, Aug. 12, 1949. He attended school in Montgomery County, including Sherwood High School, where he made lifelong friends. After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps before beginning a long career in law enforcement. He started as an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department before honorably serving the Baltimore City Police Department for more than 25 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant in the Southwestern District. After retiring from Baltimore City, he served as an investigator for the Delaware State Department of Correction and as a bailiff for the State of Maryland judicial system. Joe married the love of his life, Patricia Richardson, in 1980. He earned a bachelor of science at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1994.

Remembered for his jokes and contagious laugh, Joe was the definition of a good man: a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather (or "Bompa"), a cherished brother, a special uncle, a treasured friend and neighbor, and a trusted employee and colleague. All who knew him loved him dearly. He enjoyed life, especially spending time with his family, spoiling his grandsons, fishing, and traveling the world with his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Patricia (Peters) Richardson; two devoted sons, Brian Richardson of Baltimore and Kevin Richardson of Ocean View; a daughter-in-law, Erin Richardson of Baltimore; three grandchildren, Brandon, Chase and Ashton Richardson; two sisters, Edith Spitz of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Terry Lee Whipp of Boonsboro, Md.; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Burnett of Evans, Ga.; several beloved nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends whom he loved like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Clarence and Lulu (George) Richardson of Silver Spring, Md.; and his sister Betty Jo Purdum of West Palm Beach, Fla.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 10, at Melson's Ocean View Chapel, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfunerlservices.com.