Indian River Citrus Icon Passes Away At 95
December 31, 2014 Indian River citrus pioneer Danforth “Dan” Richardson, 95, has passed away.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Richardson began working in his father-in-law’s grove after moving to Vero Beach, FL, with his wife Marjorie Hopwood in 1946. He learned about citrus production from Bob Edsall, a neighbor. At that time, the company had four employees and 160 acres of citrus.
Richardson built up a grove business, which had been started by his father-in-law John M. Hopwood, and developed Gracewood Fruit Co. with his sons-in-law.
He was a member and past chairman for the Florida Citrus Commission and also held the position of president of the Indian River Citrus League as well as the Florida Production Managers Association. For all of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1992.
In addition to the citrus business, Richardson dabbled in cattle ranching, the restaurant business, real estate, and various endeavors with friends.
Richardson was involved in the early days or founding of several community organizations: The United Way, Rotary Club, Dollars for Scholars, Vero Beach Museum of Art, Indian River State College, the Environmental Learning Center, Riverside Theatre, Indian River Memorial Hospital, and the Gifford Youth Activities Center, to name a few.
He also was part of every building endeavor at the Community Church since 1950, where he taught a high school age Sunday School class for many years.
Richardson was a member of the Indian River County School Board in the mid-1960s, serving as chairman. With friends, he also started the Richardson Scholarship Foundation, which has since become a part of the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River.
A visitation celebration will be held at Vero Beach Country Club from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, and the community is invited.
A private family memorial service will be held at the Community Church with interment at Hillcrest Memorial Garden. Strunk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richardson’s name to the Gifford Youth Activities Center or the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River (Dollars for Scholars).
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