Former Upland Mayor, Member of Council and Principal of Main Street School, Jesse P. Richardson, Jr
Jesse P. Richardson Jr. of Upland, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023. Jesse was 85. He is reunited with his loving and caring wife of 58 years, Emily.
Jesse graduated from Eddystone High School and received his undergraduate degree in History with his teaching certificate from West Chester University. He earned a master’s degree in education from Villanova University, and he studied in the doctoral program at Temple University.
A dedicated and passionate educator, Jesse was also a committed public official who was devoted to his family. He served as a teacher and principal in the Chester Upland School District for 39 years, including over 20 years as principal of Main Street School in Upland.
Many of his Main Street students fondly remember him standing on the school roof, climbing up trees, or riding a bike to ensure that all students were safe and to head off any potential trouble. He touched the lives of many young people.
Upon retirement, Jesse worked as a consultant for the school district in various capacities for many years. He spent 18 years in service to the Borough of Upland, working as Mayor for 15 years, and a member of Council for three (3) years, including one year as Council President.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Pat), and son Jesse III (Barb), along with six grandchildren, JP IV, Matthew, Patrick (Rachel), Joseph (Kim), Michael, Amy (Brice) and four great-grandchildren, Reese, Eloise, Palmer, and Rowan.
Services will be private. Contributions in Jesse’s memory may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611. https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/tribute-program
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