Richard J. Comerford | Clothing shop co-owner, 88

Richard J. Comerford, 88, of Stoney Ridge Farm in West Chester, co-owner of the Jane Chalfont Shop in West Chester, died of sepsis April 29 at Barclay Friends, a retirement community in West Chester.

In 1955, Mr. Comerford and his wife, Eileene, purchased a shop in West Chester and kept the original owner's name. They sold classic women's clothing and accessories until retiring in 1987. Their son Patrick and his wife, Kiki, now operate the shop.

Mr. Comerford was a "pedestrian presence" in West Chester for more than 30 years, his son said, sweeping the storefront and making business contacts. From 1967 to 1977, he and his wife also operated The Little Shop in Chambersburg, Pa. He was an advocate for entrepreneurship, his son said, and encouraged young people to take risks.

He was a member of the Lions Club in West Chester for 40 years and supported many West Chester organizations.

A native of Queens, N.Y., Mr. Comerford graduated from Pace Business School in Manhattan. He served in the Army in the States during World War II.

After his discharge, he was a district manager for the Lerner Shops. He met his wife in Pittsburgh, where she was a buyer for a branch of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Comerford enjoyed mowing his fields, long walks, vacations in Maine and Florida, and visiting shops while traveling abroad with his wife.

In addition to his son, he is survived by son Richard Jr.; a sister; four grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. His wife of 53 years died in 2005. A son Michael died in 1980.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 212 S. High St., West Chester. Burial will be in Oaklands Cemetery, West Chester.