Eulogy

On behalf of Rick’s family I would like to welcome you here today. We are gathered here today to remember Rick. The definition of eulogy—a summation of a person’s life in a few words—is a difficult task, but I’ll do it in one word—gentle—Rick’s was a gentle spirit.

I have known Rick for 26 years, but I’ve learnt the most about him in the last 8 weeks. He was like a father to some, a confidante to many, and a teacher and friend to all. However, to Joey, Patty, John, Ed, and Mary, he was Ricky, their baby brother first and foremost.

Rick grew up in Syracuse and attended St. Lucy’s Academy. He studied Chemical engineering in New York, but while taking a psychology class to fulfill his elective requirements, he realized that studying the human mind presented a much more challenging task.

Rick graduated from Syracuse University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work which was the beginning of Rick’s career of helping others. Over the next 26 years, Rick honed his skills to perfection, selflessly helping others to the exclusion of helping himself. Rick was not motivated by financial or material gain and was more concerned about rewards on a higher plane—enlightenment and inner peace.

Rick liked discussing the wonders of the universe and the latest car models. Always reading and highly intellectual, Rick was able to communicate with everyone he met. Acutely aware of the injustices of the world Rick did his best to help those in need. He also had the ability to make everyone feel included and comfortable, a gift from his mother, Norma, with whom he had an endearing and loving relationship.

With his razor-like and quick wit, a gift from his father and Aunt Barbara, Rick was able to rapidly analyze situations as he took it all in with his sweet, soulful blue eyes. Ever the gentle and patient teacher, he hoped his students would come up with their own resolutions.

His children, Kaitlyn and Justin, brought him great joy and they will now carry the light of his life. They are endowed with the legacy of caring, love, humor, and wonder that was their father.

Rick loved loud rock music, flying, the power of the ocean and feeling the breeze in his hair. Think of him when you experience these things.

As the quote from the movie “The Outlaw Josey Wales” states “I rode with him and I got no complaints”

Good Bye

Rick passed away late Monday night.

A memorial service will be held on Friday April 17th at 5.30pm at "Christ The King" Lutheran Church, 499 Plaza Drive Vestal NY

An additional memorial service will be held at Assumption Church 812 North Salina St., Syracuse, NY on Monday April 27th at 5.30pm followed by a reception.

Monday April 13, 2009

Reposting pictures to keep them on an upper page

Easter--April 12, 2009

HAPPY EASTER--Now that I've made it to Easter, let's shoot for Memorial Day as the next target. My brother-in-law got me approved for SSI benefits which don't start for a month

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Nancy and Tina visited today along with Sh***. Nancy brought hotdogs from Heid's and Sh*** brought ham and scallopped potatoes--what a feast! (for my relatives).

Good Friday--April 10, 2009

Didn't do much again today.

Tina and Nancy called to say HI!

Do*** stopped by to say goodbye and Tom might have stopped by in the morning

Thursday April 9, 2009

Don't panic--I took a day off blogging yesterday!

Wednesday I had a visit from JP and his wife and Chris came back down with "High Plains Drifter" which we watched for 40 mins until I dozed off.

Thursday was mostly spent sleeping as my morphine drip was increased to reduce the hourly "booster" shots to relieve the breakthrough pain.