Obituaries

April 4, 1941 – August 13, 2019
On Tuesday, August 13, 2019, Elliott Richards, loving Father of Paul, Tania and Tessa and proud Papa of Dia and Dara, passed away at the age of 78.
Elliott was born on April 4, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Pauline and Harry Dickstein. He attended James Madison High School and served in the U.S. Army. Elliott had a storied career including several years driving a New York City taxi-cab and serving as taxi coordinator for Yellow Cab at Long Beach Airport for over thirty years. He loved his coworkers, especially Chip and J.R.

Elliott is survived by three children, Paul Solomon Katan (wife Indira), Tania Lisa Katan (wife Angela) and Tessa Katan Greene (husband Kevin) and by two grandchildren, Dia Rose Katan and Dara Jade Katan. He had two brothers and one sister and enjoyed spending time with cousins, nieces and nephews. He is survived by a large extended family that includes his former wife Joelle Katan as well as her brother, sister and family with whom he continued to celebrate holidays. He was a long and loyal friend to many, including childhood friends from his days playing stickball in the streets of Brooklyn to the Long Beach crew.

Elliott truly celebrated nature. A lifelong fisherman, walker and bicyclist; from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with trips to Alaska, Yosemite, Vancouver, Maui, and El Dorado Park. If there were fish, trails, flowers, or birds; Elliott would catch, hike, smell, or smile his way through nature. Like a giant kid, he enjoyed nature walks, animals and the outdoors, eager to take vacations to seek new adventures. But most of all, Elliott cherished his family time and his role as a grandfather.

He was proud of his children and their accomplishments. He enjoyed striking up conversations with anyone he met and his style and charm ensured that he never met a stranger. He was a grand storyteller with a quick and witty sense of humor.

Our Dad always knew how to be the life of the party and he loved a good story. As we grieve and remember him, we ask that you please share your stories of Elliott in celebration of his life and memory to keep the party going just a little bit longer.

The Family suggests sending memorial contributions to:
El Dorado Nature Center
c/o Friends of El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring Street
Long Beach, CA. 90815