Alfred "Al" Erskine Richardson Sr.

Alfred “Al” Erskine Richardson Sr., 86, of Bethel Park, PA, made his peaceful transition on August 10, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at St. Clair Hospital, following a very brief illness. He was born in Schenectady, NY on August 27, 1935, to Johnnie Richardson and Bertha Battiste. Alfred was the youngest of three sons having two older brothers Lawrence John and Lloyd Richardson. All of whom preceded him in death.

Having accepted God early in life, his faith and education grew as he actively participated at Duryee Memorial AME Zion Church and graduating from Mont Pleasant High School Schenectady, NY in 1954. After high school Al began his quest for higher education at North Carolina College at Durham (now known as North Carolina Central University, NCCU) graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree. During his matriculation at North Carolina College he was inducted into the Gamma Beta Chapter served as Vice President of his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. An active student, Al was voted Who’s Who, Freshmen, Junior and Senior Class President, Pan-Hellenic Parliamentarian and held memberships in many other organizations. He obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Albany (SUNY), advanced studies from Syracuse University and Juris Doctorate from the Howard University School of Law.

He met and married Susie Bailey on August 29, 1963 in Hackensack, New Jersey. They shared life, love, and family for over fifty years. To this union they were blessed with two devoted children Al Jr. and Sharon whom they loved and nurtured. “Poop and Mama Sue” as they were affectionately called by their six grandsons, let the world know “The Boys” were the pride and joy of their sunset years.

Alfred had a long, successful career in marketing and sales with IBM, Xerox and Digital Corporation. Throughout his professional career and following his retirement, Al mentored several entrepreneurs in the formation of businesses in Pittsburgh, The Hill District, Homewood and in Durham NC as the Director of Learning Development at NCCU.  

Upon returning to Durham, Kyle’s Temple AME Zion Church was home for Alfred in Durham, NC. Al is remembered for his booming baritone voice in the Chancellor Choir as he led many Negro spirituals. Sharing his talent, he taught voice lessons to many aspiring to master melodious variations. In later years, Al returned to Pittsburgh where he resumed his active membership at Homewood AME Zion Church for many years.

An active supporter of the Pittsburgh NCCU Alumni Association, Al was known for his persuasive recruitment efforts as he organized his Alpha brothers and friends to serve as host for the NCCU choral students on their Annual Spring Concert Tour. 

Married for more than 50 years to his beloved sweet wife, Susie Bailey Richardson, preceded him in death in 2018.  He is survived by two children, Alfred Jr. and Sharon (Gabriel) Burkes. Beaming with pride Al also leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren: John Giovanni, Chance Bailey (Emily), Roman Gabriel, Tiger Amadeus,      Caleb Race, and Garon Burkes; a great-grandchild Jay Giovanni; a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.

The Richardson family would like to thank each of you for the many acts of kindness you have shown us during this time of illness and bereavement. We are especially grateful for your continued prayers. We would also like to give a special thank you to Mike of St. Clair Hospital ICU for your compassion, kindness, and care for our Dad. We are so grateful to you as you stood with the us through it all. As we move through this time of reflection please know that you are welcome to share comments, stories, and memories on Alfred E. Richardson’s Facebook page. We know that we will find great solace in your memories.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022  at 11:00 am, at Homewood AME Zion Church, 724 North Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. Friends and community are encouraged to spend time with the family at a second informal Celebration of Life and reception for Al at the Liberty Pointe Apartment Clubhouse, 35 Highland Rd, Bethel Park, Pa 15102 on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 from 2:00–5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sharon (Richardson) Burkes Family ℅ New Song Community Church 4767 Library Rd, Bethel Park, Pa 15102.  Cremation and related arrangements were handled by Ball Funeral Chapel, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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