Sandy

Richardson

Sandy Richardson was born in Harlem, New York City, on May 14, 1965, the beloved son of Alice Rose Jeanne Mincey
and Sandy Richardson Sr., both of whom were deeply rooted in justice and service. His parents' love story began not just in
romance, but in revolution—they met at the historic March on Washington in 1963, a moment that would shape their lives
and leave a legacy of purpose for their son. That union—formed at the feet of Dr. King's dream—planted in Sandy a lifelong
commitment to lifting up the voices of those often silenced by circumstance.
Sandy grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he attended Teaneck Public Schools and later enrolled at Pennington Prep. He
graduated from Teaneck High School in 1983. Early in adulthood, he pursued computer science at Kean University. But by the
early 1990s, Sandy's spirit of activism began to take shape in powerful ways. In 1990, following the tragic police killing of Phillip Pannell, a 16-year-old Black teen in Teaneck, Sandy became deeply involved in the local civil rights movement. He served as
an active board member of the Bergen County NAACP, organizing, marching, and standing as a fierce advocate for justice. Just
like his parents decades earlier, Sandy refused to be a bystander to injustice—he stood up, spoke out, and lifted others with him.
It was this deep empathy and commitment to community that eventually led him to nursing. Sandy graduated from the Bergen
Pines School of Practical Nursing in February 1994 and embarked on what would become a 30-year career of devoted service
in long-term care, behavioral health, and elder care.
Throughout his professional life, Sandy worked at numerous facilities across Bergen County, including Genesis HealthCare in
Englewood, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, CareOne at Valley, Dellridge Health & Rehabilitation Center, Oakland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Prospect Heights Care Center, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Regent Care Center, Armenian
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Teaneck Nursing Center, and The Actors Fund Home in Englewood. Whether serving patients with dementia, autism, or mood disorders, he offered meticulous medical care with a deeply human touch. Sandy didn't
just "do the job"—he made it his ministry.
And while many of his classmates eventually moved away, Sandy remained. He was a fixture in the community—almost like
Teaneck's own personal nurse. Childhood friends and former classmates would often refer their aging parents or loved ones
to Sandy for end-of-life care, confident that he would provide not only skilled nursing, but compassion, dignity, and respect.
Why? Because Sandy was Teaneck's greatest—always doing what was best for his neighbors, young and old.
Sandy Richardson's personal life mirrored the depth of his commitment to others. He was married twice—first to Deborah
Puryear, and later to Balkis Johnson. Each chapter of his life added layers to the man he became. But it was in his enduring
partnership with Maretta Hodges that Sandy found lasting peace and unwavering love. For thirteen and a half years, Maretta
stood faithfully by his side as his fiancée and life partner. Their relationship—built on trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose—was a source of joy, stability, and deep connection.
Together, Sandy and Maretta traveled the world, chasing their shared love for music. And although Sandy had two left feet
and not even a trace of rhythm, that never stopped him from dancing like nobody was watching. His joy was contagious—he
danced anyway, off-beat but all heart, every single time.
And anywhere you saw him, he was smiling—that wide, warm grin with the signature gap between his front teeth, just like his
father's. That smile could light up a room, calm a storm, or simply let you know you were seen and cared for.
His legacy is one of radical compassion, quiet courage, and an unwavering devotion to justice and care for the vulnerable.
Whether at a protest, a bedside, or just sitting on the porch listening to a neighbor's worries—Sandy showed up. Every time.
Though Sandy Richardson didn't have biological children, his heart and home were always open to the young people in his life.
He became a beloved figure to many, earning endearing nicknames like "Pops," "Cousin," "Godfather," and "Stepdaddy." Sandy was a steadfast mentor and role model to Melissa Williams, Eric Jones, Amirah Williams, Jeffrey Brown Jr., Latori Parrott,
Jamiyah Littlejohn, Shetera Ayers, Malik Brown, and Jiah-LaToy Matthews. His influence extended far beyond bloodlines; he
was a guiding presence, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional support.
But it was with his grandson, Oluwaferanmi Jeremiah Latunji—lovingly known as JJ—that Sandy's role as a father figure
shone brightest. From the start, Sandy was the only father JJ knew, a constant presence of love and stability. When JJ turned
two, Sandy and Maretta took custody of him, forging an unbreakable bond. He was a phenomenal grandfather, the kind who
proudly wore matching outfits with JJ, down to the shoes and haircuts. Where one went, the other followed, a testament to
their inseparable connection. Sandy's legacy lives on through JJ, the young man who now carries forward the love, values, and
joyful spirit that Sandy instilled in him.
Sandy Richardson was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Rose Jeanne Mincey and Sandy Richardson Sr., his uncle, James
Mincey, and his aunt, Clementine Brown. He is survived by his brother, Walter "Ricky" Richardson of Los Angeles, California;
his uncle, David Richardson of Washington, D.C.; and his aunt, Arnita Mincey of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Sandy also leaves
behind his nephew, K'iowea Savion Richardson of San Diego, California; his cousin, Jeffrey Brown of Hammonton, New
Jersey; and his cousin, James Mincey Jr. of Madison, Wisconsin. He is also remembered fondly by a host of family and friends.