Obituary of Paul E. Richardson Jr. Esq.

ROCHESTER, NY – June 7, 2024 Paul Richardson Jr. passed away on June 7, 2024, at the age of 78. Paul was born in Auburn, New York. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Dorothy (Post) and Paul Richardson Sr., and sister Fern Brodnax. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years Ruby (Thomas) Richardson, and two children, Cheryl (Steve) Hurst and Dwayne Thomas. He was the proud grandfather of Shane and Krystal Thomas. He also leaves his sister Elaine Logan, nephews Joshua Logan and Curtis Brodnax, and niece Cherie Brodnax-Eaves, as well as many cousins and friends. Paul attended Hampton University for his undergraduate degree, served as a lieutenant in the United States Army, and then attended Syracuse University College of Law for his Juris Doctor degree. He was the first African American to serve as the Deputy County Attorney in Onondaga County, in Syracuse, New York. After leaving the county, he spent more than 31 years as a trial attorney at Allstate Insurance Company. Paul was a tenacious trial attorney who enthusiastically accepted each challenge as an opportunity to win. He was also extremely humble about his victories in the courtroom. Anyone who spent even a short while talking to Paul might have heard him talk about who he mercilessly defeated. Paul had a great sense of humor and always made people laugh. There were numerous instances of funny stories and sayings that will be fondly remembered. During a trial when addressing the jury, he would ask, “Ladies and gentlemen, does it offend you that I look like George Jefferson?” No one can keep a straight face when Paul gets started. Paul was committed to his profession and the community. Some of his volunteer activities included serving on the Western New York Defense Trial Lawyers, Volunteer Legal Services Project for Monroe County, Monroe County Bar Association, Veteran’s Outreach Center, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Deacon Board and Sunday School Teacher, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He demonstrated his commitment to helping others by establishing the Volunteer Legal Services Project Paul E. Richardson Endowment to support an ethnic minority law student intern. Friends may call on Friday, June 21st from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Interment White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to: VLSP Paul E. Richardson Endowment Fund through the RACF.org. https://www.racf.org/fund/vlsp-paul-e-richardson-endowment-fund/