Vincent Michael Richards, 80, a resident of East Fishkill since 1978, died on March 26, 2026 at Putnam Hospital Center following a short illness. He passed into the arms of the Angel of the Bugler.

Born in the Bronx on November 30, 1945, he was the son of the late Vincent Michael and Ellen (McPartland) Richards. He graduated from Evander Childs High School in the Bronx, and then went on to Sherwood School of Music and Chicago University from 1967-1969 when he was drafted. Vincent graduated from Pace University in Manhattan in 1975 with his bachelor's degree in sociology and from the New School of Social Research in 1983 with his master's degree in sociology. He was employed as a music and social studies teacher for the New York City Board of Education until his retirement in 2013. He had also worked as a route salesman for Frito Lay.

Vinny proudly served our country in the United States Army. His military career began with Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, SC and after graduation, he earned a Military Occupation Specialty 02B20 Musician at Fort Knox, KY. Following his separation from active duty, he joined the 319th Army Reserve Statue of Liberty Band at Fort Totten, NY where he spent the next 35 years as a Reservist and earning the rank of SFC, brass group leader and Assistant Bandmaster. He was also a honorary member of the New York 42nd Rainbow Division. Vinny's greatest honor was playing Taps for Veterans who answered their final call. "Be tho at peace soldier, your tour is over."

In 1989, Vincent founded the Hudson Valley Council Boy Scouts of America Community Band. After several years, the Girl Scouts also wanted to join so they became Explorer Post #2609. Throughout the years, they played in New York, Washington DC and even two international tours of Canada. They rehearsed and performed with the 319th Army Statue of Liberty Band at Fort Totten, and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They have provided many musical performances in the Town of East Fishkill on Memorial Day and for the 9/11 Observance each year, as well as at the Hopewell Depot Museum and for the town summer concert series. In February, Vinny and Althea were honored with the Barbara Z Community Service Award by the East Fishkill Republican Committee.

A parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill , Vinny was a life member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a member of Manny Bacon Post #1758 American Legion, Elks Lodge #1493, Beacon, the New York City Musicians Association and the Retired Army Musicians Association.

On June 19, 1971 at Holy Cross Church in the Bronx, Vinny married the love of his life, Althea Bernadette Corey who survives at home. He is also survived by his son Michael Bryan Richards and his wife Jill; his grandsons, Jason Vincent and Michael Charles; sister in law Marguerite Sullivan and her husband Patrick; his godchildren, Mark Lu and his wife Stephanie, Theresa Burke and her children, Ethan, Issac and Alivia ; and Connie Lu and her partner Michael Chan; his brothers, Thomas Norman Richards, and Robert Raymond Richards; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Stoller; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his sister, Honor Marie Stoller and brothers John Thomas Richards and James Gilbert Richards.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 6 from 2-4 and 6- 8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Hudson Valley Community Band will honor Vinny with a performance at 7: 30pm . The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, April 7 at 10am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 103 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Interment will be in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made in Vinny's memory to the Hudson Valley Community Band. Please mail c/o McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.

For directions and online tributes, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com .