Tom Richards

Tom Richards passed peacefully at home on March 7th. He was surrounded by his wife of 53 years Suzi, their children, and their two dogs. Having fought through health issues for his last couple years, Tom, a man of strong convictions and good humor, remained sharp right up to the last month of his life. Born in Sharon, PA on July 3, 1931, Tom attended Marietta College in Ohio, was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, and graduated from Youngstown State University where he developed a love for golf.

Tom held various sales positions around the country before settling near Cleveland, Ohio where he met Suzi. Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to found Process Technology, based in Willoughby and Mentor, in 1978 an innovation-focused company selling specialized equipment to the Surface Finishing and Semiconductor Industries. Process Technology team members remember Tom for his kindness, generosity, positivity, and always remembering everyone’s name. Tom served as the national treasurer for the MFSA (Metal Finishers Suppliers Association) and AES (American Electroplaters Society) and served as the president of the Cleveland chapter of MFSA. Tom’s love of golf lead him to join various clubs throughout the years: Sharon Country Club (PA), Madison Country Club, Canterbury Golf Club, Acacia Country Club, Cypress Run (FL), Reynold’s Plantation (GA), The Vintage Club (CA), and Toscana Country Club (CA.) Tom was beckoned to the California desert by the Bob Hope Tournament in 1993.

He participated in the tournament for 14 years once finishing first and twice finishing second. In addition to golf, Tom enjoyed boating. He belonged to Mentor Harbor Yacht Club for many years and continued his boating activities at Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Michigan. Tom also enjoyed spending time with fellow members of Gyro International. He is survived by his wife, his children, Jody Richards (Sid Srivastava), Jami Forschner (Dave), and Joshua Richards, five grandchildren (Anneliese, Soren, Bergen, Anvi, and Anika), his beloved dogs Barney and Sophie, and his grand-dog Chance.