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Mayor Richards' Son Dies After Battling Cancer

The son of Rochester Mayor Tom Richards has died after a five year battle with cancer. Matthew Richards was 37 years old. He died on Monday, leaving behind a wife and two sons.

Last week, Mayor Richards announced he would not seek re-election after losing the Democratic Primary, even though he remains on the ballot on the Independence and Working Family lines. Richards indicated this was a personal decision, because his family has been dealing with a difficult health issue. He was not specific at that time about the medical issue, but he did say the situation had evolved to the point where continuing his campaign is no longer appropriate.

According to an obituary written by the Anthony Funeral and Cremation Chapels, Matthew Richards worked at The Scholars Choice, an academic book exhibit company in Rochester, until his diagnosis in 2008.

A wake is scheduled for Thursday at the funeral chapel. Private services will be held at a later date.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.