Jason "Jay" Richardson

Jason “Jay” Kiel Richardson, age 53, passed away in Taunton, MA on July 9th, 2026.

Born on October 24th, 1972, in San Lorenzo California, Jay was the son of late Howard and Kathleen Richardson. Jay moved from California to Massachusetts in 1986. He loved telling stories of his time in California, specifically caring for the birds at his grandfather’s aviary. Jay was a hardworking friend to all. He made it a personal mission to be kind enough to strangers to make them smile. Jay lived life strictly on his own terms, and was always sure to be the last one to tell the bad dad-joke. His hobbies included fishing, watching WWE, fixing up car problems for family and friends, and cooking. He was known for his brilliant combination of spices, homemade pasta sauce, and even had a signature way to make jasmine rice. Jay loved to cook for anyone that was willing to try it. He would always be sure to bring up some kind of food that gave him goosebumps, “the food goosies,” where he’d hold up his arm to prove his hairs were standing up straight. Most importantly, Jay spent most of his free time playing billiards with his friends and family. Jay was the man to call if your pool cue needed any tending to. The local bar could always count on him to see the bar cues and say “I’m taking these home to fix them up.” He was truly a friend to all, especially the pool community.

Jay is survived by his wife, Erica Richardson; his oldest son, Tyler Richardson and his wife, Deanna, and their children, Wyatt and Zoey; his oldest daughter, Katelyn Richardson; his youngest son, Shawn Richardson; youngest daughter, Cali Richardson; and chosen son, Destin Phillinger; as well as the foster children he loved as his own, Spencer, Boston, and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his former wife, Michelle Stratton; sisters, Patricia Escobar, Jennifer Richardson, and Sheila Brooks, and many nieces and nephews. Jay will be deeply missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Fundraiser will be held on Friday, July 17th, 2026, at Willy J’s Pub, 599 Winthrop St. in Taunton, MA 02780. Please come ready to share your fondest memories with Jay, and bring your best 8-ball game for a tournament in his name.

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