TOMS RIVER – If you had a question about your IRA, investment or just wanted to get a financial glimpse into the future, Jeanne Richards was just a phone call away on Saturday mornings.
She was well known as the host of a radio show but sadly, her voice has been silenced. She passed away earlier today.
Richards leaves behind a legacy of providing good advice and help to people all over Ocean County and beyond. In 1977 she founded EPA Financial Services Corp based in Toms River with her husband Bob Richards.
Many people came to know her and her husband by listening to “Managing Your Money” a radio talk show where the public was invited to call in to comment and ask questions about financial matters. The show aired on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on WOBM-AM 1160 and 1310 and on 104.1FM.
The Richards discussed a variety of financial topics, such as current economic conditions and events, and upcoming market changes. Jeanne expanded on what the radio program was all about. She once said, “we take callers and answer questions. Most of the time we accentuate community service not necessarily what we do.”
“We’ll have guests like senior services, Medicare reps, the Prosecutor’s Office, the mayor, some authors, anything that would help the senior in different areas of their life,” she said in a prior interview with JerseyShoreOnline.com.
Along with being the voice and heart of the radio show for over 28 years, she was married to the love of her life, Bob Richards, for nearly 55 years. Jeanne was very proud of that.
Their daughter Heather Richards Barone is part of the business as an advisor and she currently runs the firm that her parents developed. She remarked that for more than 48 years her mother had been “my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter, and the person who has made me into the strong and determined woman and mother that I am today.”
“With my father and me by her side, this morning Jeanne Waldron Richards transitioned from being our biggest supporter and source of love and laughter here on earth to our angel in heaven,” Barone said when making the announcement.
She added that her mother adored all their clients and radio listeners. “We also wanted you to know how much we both appreciate the support you have shown our family over the last few weeks and days.”
Bridget Clark Maillard, who worked with her at EPA, told JerseyShoreOnline.com that Jeanne “had a very interesting life. She was a very, very loving woman so it is so sad to see her pass.”
Many local residents took to social media to say their regards.
“She was a wonderful, gracious lady, rest in peace,” Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill said.
Rod Myers was among the many who posted to EPA’s social media page saying, “I truly loved Jeanne as a financial industry professional and friend. Her smile and beautiful spirit will be missed.”
“She was a beautiful and lovely woman,” Darlene Maillard said.
Peggy Ferraccio added, “She was a special lady who will be missed.”
Teresa Hetzel said, “I know this gem of a person will be so missed by everyone.”
“Your mom had a sweet soul and a kind heart. She will be sorely missed,” James Cino said.
EPA Financial Services is one of the oldest financial services firms in Ocean County. Together they developed a distinct style of financial services that provided a family friendly atmosphere in their office. The Richards family organizes group trips and holds an annual client party at their home each year as part of that philosophy.
From Silverton Memorial Funeral Home Obituary:
Born in Bound Brook, NJ. Jean was a graduate of Ameritt College in Danville, VA. She worked and co-owned EPA Financial Services, Corp. in Toms River for 44 years. She also co-hosted “Managing Your Money” on Beach Radio WOBM 1160 AM, 1310 AM, and 104.1 FM for 27 years.
In addition Jean was a volunteer at Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center where she established: A Therapy Dog Program For 18 years, The NJ Tournament of Champions for the Learning Disabled, and The Brandon Blair Trust. Furthermore she taught swimming for 30 years. Jean loved dogs, kids and travel, especially in Aruba and worked in War Room in Korea in 1967. She could light up a room and make you feel special.
Surviving are her husband Robert Richards Sr.; daughter Heather Richards Barone and her husband Anthony; son Robert Richards Jr. and daughter in law Hilary Nizamoff; 3 grandchildren Michael Robert Barone, Thomas Robert Richards, and Anthony James Barone; sisters Bonnie Shields, Betsy Mascaro, and Barbara Ur.
Visiting will be Saturday, September 18 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd., Toms River. Cremation will be private.
