Donald Howard Richardson Jr.

Donald H. Richardson, Jr, 80, a great father, friend and teacher died at his home in Arnold after a short battle with cancer on March 31, 2026. Donald was born in Washington, DC on September 24th, 1945 to Donald, Sr and Caroline (Chewning) Richardson. He attended the Landon School and then graduated from The George Washington University. Donald married Diana Fulton and had one son. 

Donald devoted much of his life to writing in various forms. In 1980, he founded Baltimore Scene magazine as Editor and Publisher before selling and transitioning into teaching. He spent 20+ years as a professor of Journalism and English at Dundalk and Anne Arundel community colleges as well as a faculty advisor of the campus newspaper. He found particular satisfaction through his work with the Maryland State Arts Council as a Poet in the Schools, doing poetry workshops in elementary, middle and senior high schools throughout Maryland. In addition, he was a very prolific and accomplished writer of poetry, publishing many books throughout the years. 

Donald was a man of many talents, pursuits and passions. He grew up on a horse farm on the Chesapeake Bay south of Annapolis and spent many years exercising race horses and infrequently riding in steeplechase races. He never lived any measurable length from the Chesapeake Bay which led to a lifelong love of boats and being on the water. Donald appreciated fast boats, and later on slower and more comfortable ones. He also fed his love of speed with fast cars through the years. He was a lifelong fan of soccer, and had particular interest in Manchester United. Donald also had fleeting obsessions with bicycles, tennis, basketball, boxing and golf. 

Donald will be remembered for his loyalty and generosity - always willing to support the interests and dreams of his family and close friends. 

Donald is survived by his son Alexander (Carrie) and grandson Ethan.