Fay W. Richardson III

COLONIE — Fay “Little Fay” W. Richardson III, 57, born in Oswego, N.Y. to Connie and Fay W. Richardson II, passed away at his home on July 22, 2026. Fay grew up and spent the majority of his life in Colonie, where he built long-lasting relationships with pretty much anyone he ever met. 

Fay had a lifelong love of basketball. He got an early start on the court, leading his 8th-grade CYO basketball team to the Diocesan Championship. He went on to play at Bishop Maginn High School and then at Colonie High School where he was a standout player through several successful seasons. During his teenage years, Fay was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, but the diagnosis never impeded his athleticism, joy for life, or passion for basketball. Always plagued by questionable knees, Fay finished out his basketball career at SUNY Cortland. Fay, with his outgoing personality and gift of gab, made enduring friendships not only with his teammates, but with many of his opponents as well. 

After college, Fay worked as a youth counselor at the LaSalle School for Boys in Albany. During his time there, he made a profound impact on the lives of many young men. In later years, Fay was always deeply touched whenever he ran into former students who took the time to thank him and share how much he had changed their lives for the better. After his time at LaSalle, he went on to join Verizon as a technician, where he dedicated 27 years before retiring in March of 2025. 

Fay loved spending time with friends, cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and listening to music, especially classic rock and old-time country. Fay was always the life of the party. If you didn’t know Fay at the start of the party, he would be your best friend by the end of the night. Whether it was a trip to the bathroom at the Chatham Squire or running to Stewart’s for milk, a quick task inevitably turned into a meet-and-greet; he embodied the saying “not all who wander are lost."

 Fay’s proudest joy in life was his daughter, Anna Kate. His love of sports was naturally passed on to her, whether he was coaching or proudly cheering on the sidelines of her softball and basketball games. He cherished their time spent on the field together. Some of his fondest memories included summers on the beach in Chatham, MA., playing the competitive games, they loved creating on vacations, and skiing and kayaking together.

In addition to his daughter, Fay is survived by his father Fay W. Richardson II (Eileen), and brothers Adam (Tricia) and Matt (Hattie). He leaves behind several nieces and nephews and was predeceased by his loving mother Connie Carroll Richardson.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Fay's family on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church.