William B. Richardson Sr. Ayana Jones Tribune Staff Writer William B. Richardson Sr., the former owner of the Rose Flower Shop, died on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. He was 81. He was born on May 14, 1938 in Philadelphia to the late Virginia and Edward “Bobby” Richardson. He was the sixth of nine surviving children. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system, graduating from Simon Gratz High School. As a young man, he had an entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the years, Richardson owned a number of businesses including fruit and vegetable stands, ice cream parlors and nightclubs. Richardson opened the Rose Flower Shop on Ogontz Avenue in 2000 and ran the business until November 2018. Last February, he opened another flower shop in Abington. He closed the shop in July. His daughter, Donna Richardson-Glover, reflected on some of the lessons that she and her siblings learned from their father. “He was a stern taskmaster,” Richardson-Glover said. “In that sternness was a lot of lessons. We learned about business, perseverance and work ethics. He had an impeccable work ethic. That is the legacy that he left his children.” Richardson was the humble recipient of numerous honors including the Timeless Pillar of the Community Award from the National Action Network, a citation from the Concerned Citizens Council for Outstanding Community Service, a citation from the City of Philadelphia in recognition of the 2011 Paul Roberson Freedom Fighter Award, a Recognition of Service Award from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office for outstanding service and dedication to the sheriff’s office and citizens of Philadelphia and an Economic Empowerment Accolade from the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Historic Paul Roberson House. Richardson was honored to be able to “give back” and contribute charitably by helping family members with flower donations for funeral services as […]
William B. Richardson Sr., 81, former florist
