Sylvester Constantine Richards, affectionately known as Ruddy to his family and Richie to his friends, was born September 8, 1955 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. He is the son of Percival Richards and Louise Freckleton.

Sylvester went home to be with the Lord on October 30th, 2023, with his family by his side, after a brief battle with cancer.

Sylvester attended St. Anne's Primary School and went on to graduate from St. Andrew Technical High School in Kingston, Jamaica in 1976. He continued his studies at the College of Arts, Science and Technology where in 1979 he received his certificate in Construction Studies and his diploma in Structural Engineering in 1980. He immigrated to the United States to continue his education and went on to graduate from Howard University in 1982 with a degree in Civil Engineering, and completed his educational pursuits with a Master Degree in Public Administration from Georgia State University in 1991. While in college he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Sylvester began his diverse career in Engineering and Construction with the New York City Transit Authority and worked there as an Assistant Civil Engineer and Project Coordinator from 1982-1986. He worked in the Fiscal Management section on projects that would renovate subway tracks and station platforms as well as constructing new tunnels and stations.

During this time, he met Margaret Collins in 1983 and the two were happily wed on March 24, 1984 in Brooklyn, NY, at the East Flatbush Church of God, where he was a member. During their 39-year union, they had four beautiful children; Alikeh, Omari, Fayolah and Semirah.

The couple moved to Decatur, Georgia in 1986 and Sylvester dedicated himself to public service at the City of Atlanta Water Department where he began as a Field Section Chief and directed the upgrades of the City’s water distribution system. That year he also started Richcore and Associates where he specialized and Real Estate Sales and Property Management.

In 1997 he moved to the City of Atlanta Sewer Operation and worked as the Installation Chief and Public Works Manager before being named the Bureau Director in 2001 where he led over 300 employees in the daily operation and maintenance of all sewer lines within the Atlanta System.

In 2002 he moved to the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment as the Director where he oversaw four wastewater treatment plants, 16 pumping stations, combined sewer overflow facilities and a wastewater laboratory.

After his time working with the City of Atlanta ended in 2009, he continued his entrepreneurial efforts and maintained businesses up until his passing. In addition to his Real Estate Business, he ran an OxiFresh carpet cleaning franchise that served residential and business customers. He became a licensed Insurance Agent and specialized in sales.

Sylvester was a true Jamaican National. He dedicated his time to regularly visit the island and contribute to various charitable foundations to assist high school students in Jamaica.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sylvester's true legacy lies in the roles he played as a devoted father, a loving husband, a caring brother and uncle, an amazing grandfather, a mentor and most importantly, a man of steadfast Christian faith. He tirelessly supported his family and his community, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering love.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, Percival Richards and Louise Freckleton as well as his sisters Monica Richards and Beverly Richards.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 39 years, Margaret Collins Richards; his children Alikeh (Rhett II) Jackson, Omari Richards, Fayolah Richards and Semirah Richards and his grandchildren Rhett Jackson III and Zion Jackson. He also leaves behind his sisters Viola Kelly and Cherry Richards, and his brother Paul Richards. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and countless other friends and loved ones.

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