I was fortunate enough to be a student at Hillsdale High when Paul was Assistant Principal. For 3 years I served as his first period aide. Later, when working with Paul doing programs at HHS, we developed a great friendship. When a student committed suicide in 1987, Paul called and asked me to rush over to the school to counsel students. He had such a great heart for students. Much later, we saw each other in the Folsom area. Truly one of the best educators in all of CA, and more importantly, a great man.

"Lowest man wins" was what Mr. Richards would say was the most important aspect of blocking for an offensive lineman. I was a senior, and this was I believe his first year as an assistant coach at Hillsdale in football in 1967. He was not afraid also to show how it was done without pads. He was a very good coach.

Thank goodness I was able to call Paul when I heard he was ill.  My wife and I had a wonderful upbeat conversation with Paul and Marlene.  Paul mentioned all of the  calls he had been receiving from all those who loved him.  And they were plentiful.
At Hillsdale High all the teachers lamented when he left for Burlingame High, though Burlingame was thrilled to have him.  A teacher at Burlingame said to me,”How could you let him go?  Thank you.”   I said, “We all miss him.”  And we certainly do now.
With love and admiration, Paul, we will not forget you.

RIP. He was our beloved principal of HHS. In 1994 I was his aide for 5th and 6th period. He was always positive, enthusiastic and made us smile. Great guy!

So sorry to hear. Paul is a cousin on my Dad’s side. Lost contact a few years ago. Prayers for all. 
Janice Skiles

I am writing this for my late father, Jack Horgan, an English teacher and a member of the first Hillsdale High School faculty in the mid-1950's, retiring as a full-time instructor in 1976.  Dad had only the very highest regard for Paul. He knew and appreciated Paul as a teacher, coach, family man and colleague. Dad expressed his positive views on Paul on more than one occasion as the years rolled by. Of course, Dad might have been somewhat biased in Paul's favor due to the fact that both of them were former football linemen at St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco. Both Dad and Paul are greatly missed.

Paul Richards was a dynamic educator, coach and administrator.
I met him as a PE student at Hillsdale.
He was a great influence for me in my pursuit of a high school teaching and administrative credential.  His example was one of the reasons I become a teacher.
I would connect with him through the years and enjoyed our  conversations.
I was impressed that a standout American Football player would have interest and a keen  knowledge of my sport of passion, world football,  soccer.
Cheers to Paul,
Guy Oling

Paul was a friend meeting him at SF State fall of 1961.  Very serious student and a very good offense lineman on the football team. Not only an excellent student but a solid person of character.    Later in our lives hooked up in the San Mateo High School District.   As stated in another memory, Paul was not only a good teacher/coach but a quality  administrator.  He  was a mentor to many students at Hillsdale and Burlingame high schools.   Finished his career as the Principle at Folsom High School .  He was a strong disciplinary but always fair and guided many students in their lives and made all of them better people.   God Bless....
Terry Christman

Mr Richards always made a point of saying hello to me every morning at Hillsdale High! My husband (class of 84) also has fond memories of him! He was much loved by many students! My husband and I had lunch with him many years ago. We kept in touch for years! We tried reaching out last year to no avail. We are both saddened to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man great dean and will be missed by many alumni of Hillsdale HS who were blessed to have him as a dean, friend and mentor!

One of the few adult figures in my life as a freshman at Hillsdale High that kept me focused. It wasn't easy moving from New Jersey to California as a Freshman, knowing not one person in the school. I'm thankful you were my track coach for 4 years and football coach for 3 years-you had an interest in us as people not just athletes, you set a good example as a coach/teacher and you were a father figure for me. I'm thankful I was able to speak with you a few weeks back when I was given the news of your diagnosis and hospice care. It was fun reminiscing and you were so upbeat. God Bless you, you made a difference for me and I appreciate it.

OBITUARY

Paul John Richards

February 21, 1943 – March 19, 2025

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