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”