Donald Frank Richards

Donald Frank Richards

Born to life December 11, 1936, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the son of Gregor & Rose Leuck Richards, Don was born to eternal life on December 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Avina of Milwaukee (formerly Alexian Village). He was 89 years old.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores “Dee” Richards, his parents, Gregor and Rose Richards, and his brothers, Jim Richards and Ed Richards. Don is survived by his dear brother Bob (Joanne) Richards, and other relatives and many friends.

Before becoming the Alderman for Milwaukee’s 9th District, Don Richards was a priest in the Milwaukee Archdiocese from 1963-1982. He participated in Milwaukee’s open housing marches in the 1960s. He attended the St. Francis Seminary and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. He ran unsuccessfully for Wisconsin State Representative in 1982 and alderman in 1984. He worked as an economic development specialist with the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation. While in office, he was a member of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee, Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, the Housing Authority and City Records Committee. In 1998 he began teaching classes at Alverno College on local government. He decided not to run for re-election for health reasons, and he retired in 2004.

Visitation will be held for Don on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of his funeral Mass at 11:00am, all at Avina of Milwaukee Chapel (formerly Alexian Village), 9301 North 76th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Entombment will be at Holy Cross cemetery in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

in lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic University of America requested by the Richards family in memory of Don.