Obituary
Shirley R. Richardson, 91, of Fort Myers, FL passed away peacefully on August 18, 2020 at Joanne’s House Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, Fl.
Born September 07, 1928 in Watertown, NY, the daughter of the late Roy and Florence Burns Bintz. She reside in the “Old City Hall” with her parents and brothers from 1937 to 1950. She was a January 1947 graduate of Watertown High School.
Shirley began her working career for the City of Watertown Recreation Department at Cooper Street playground and then as secretary from 1947-1950. Moving to Vets Village she worked as Alumni secretary at St. Lawrence University under Coach Paul Patton where her 1st husband William (Bill) Gaffney attended and graduated in 1952. She spent her young married life with Bill living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Upon returning home in 1956 she worked in many offices at the “Old City Hall” and then began her final career with the Jefferson County Probation Department in 1960 where she retired in 1983 as Principal Clerk. Shirley served as Treasurer of the Civil Service Association (CSA) for 23 years.
In 1969 she married John (Happy Jack) Richardson. She served as secretary with the Jefferson Co. Cemetery Association on Pt. Salubrious, Chaumont, N.Y. where they resided until 1983. They sold the house and officially became Snowbirds between the north country and Fort Myers, Fl where they built their home. They enjoyed many years of traveling and entertaining friends. Jack died on March 1, 2006.
Shirley could always be found planting her flowers and certainly had a green thumb. Lunchtime was her favorite meal of the day and enjoyed eating out and going to the movies. She was an avid fan of the N.Y. Yankees, Miami Dolphins, and Tiger Woods. She enjoyed watching the games while “sipping” on a few Old Milwaukee Best Lights!
She is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Gail Gaffney Caulder, of the home. Her beloved grandson, affectionately known as Sweet Face, Brian G. Caulder Summerville, SC. Many nieces, nephews, and special co-workers who she considered good friends. Two special nieces Maryellen Bintz Gannon, the favorite niece of The South and Kathy Bintz Tremont, the favorite niece of The North. A special nephew Tom (Capt. Honk) Bintz of Athens GA. Her pal and protector, Bailey, our Boston Terrier.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jack, two brothers, Donald (Lefty) Bintz and wife Rosie, who she loved like a sister and Neal and wife Grace Bintz. Two longtime childhood best friends, Shirley Gebo Snyder and Gloria Richards Watts. Shirley was the last of her family’s generation to carry on. She will be greatly missed and not a day will go by that we won’t think of her and cherish our memories.
Services will be held at the convenience of her family at a time and place to be announced in Watertown NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Fort Myers, FL. In lieu of flowers donations to honor Shirley may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Cathy Coty
Give Pop and Uncle Neal hugs & kisses from me.
Sorry for your loss.