Gerald Earl Richards, 79 of St. Johnsbury, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013, after a brief stay at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Gerald was born in Rumford, Maine, Oct. 16, 1933. After serving in the Air Force, he began his teaching career at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine. In 1970, he and his family moved to Danville, Vt., and he taught business at St. Johnsbury Academy for 16 years. After his children graduated from high school, he took a position for Southwestern Publishing Company and then went back to teaching in an adult education program in Maine. After retirement, he moved to Tarpon Springs, Fla. He returned to St. Johnsbury in 2009 to spend time with family, meet up with old friends and make many new ones, especially those at the St. Johnsbury House where he spent the last two years of his life. He was predeceased by his parents; a son, William; and a sister, Gwen Puiia. He is survived by his children: Dawn Kempton and her husband Matthew, Charles Richards and his wife Kim, Matthew Richards and his wife Emily; his grandchildren: William Kempton and his wife Jaclyn, Amos Kempton and Dylan Kempton; a great-granddaughter, Chloe Kempton; and his beloved pet, Penny. His family will celebrate his life privately. Because of his love of animals, donations in his name may be made to SAD-SAC, c/o Caledonian Record, P.O. Box 8, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or an animal shelter or pet rescue of your choice.