Date of death: 07/07/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1963
Rev. John Lawrence Richardt
September 4, 1937 – July 7, 2025
In a world of noise and often lack of clarity, Larry was an attentive and effective listener. Most of us search for and celebrate the moments, when we meet someone who sincerely accompanies us in our hopes, fears and celebrations without attempting to change us. Larry was that guy.
His innate ability to hear and clarify, enhanced his formal training as a priest with a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and Certifications in Spiritual Direction. He held positions of teaching at St. Mary-Of-The Woods College and Saint Meinrad School of Theology, encouraging his students to celebrate their mission in the world.
His pastoral ministry took on many forms through various assignments as: chaplain, academic administrator, tribunal judge, spiritual director and parish pastor. His greatest love was listening for the inspiration of the Spirit in which he could accompany another, both inside and outside the boundaries of the Catholic Church.
Larry was a fierce supporter of Native American culture and the arts including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Eiteljorg Museum and Newfield’s. He took time browsing the galleries and enjoying beauty in all things.
The eldest son of the marriage between John Jacob Richardt and Wanda Mildred Goodson Richardt, John Lawrence Richardt was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in Rome on December 19, 1962.
His younger siblings, Joseph Wayne Richardt (Bonnie), Marilyn Rose Evan (deceased), Susan Eileen LeMond (Paul) and Stephen Keith Richardt (Sharon), his nephews Brian (Sandee) Richardt, Dan (Sarah) Richardt and Kirk (Lesley) Richardt remember Larry’s unconditional support for family traditions and celebrative gatherings, along with their children and grandchildren.