Loyal, confidante, charismatic, our loving boy
Charismatic, caring, witty, loving, and loyal, Ricky could always brighten a bad day with his big laugh and keen sense of humor. He valued his family above all else and enjoyed simply spending time with them. One of his favorite memories was a family trip to Aruba, where they “were together and safe, far from the rest of the world.” He enjoyed having a cup of coffee and a cigarette with his mother Bernadette, and sitting with his grandmothers, Sissy, and Nana. Ricky was Bernadette’s self-proclaimed mama’s boy. The oldest son, Ricky adored his brothers, Nicholas, and Christopher, and always tried to spend time with them. He loved his dog, Lady, and always cuddled her.
Ricky and his father, Rich, could be heard throughout the house laughing hysterically while watching one of their favorite comedic shows. Both Ricky and his father were blessed with healthy belly laughs that brought a smile to all.
A friend once said of Ricky: “He brought light into so many lives. He brightened days that so many thought couldn’t be brightened. His natural charm, wit, selflessness, and charisma were top-notch. His love for his family and friends was like no other. He fit in everywhere he went, which is a talent in itself.”
“Ricky was an avid reader,” Bernadette said. “He was very knowledgeable about all subjects, and it enabled him to fit in anywhere and talk to anyone.”
Ricky earned deep and lasting friendships, calling his friend group his “water family,” after the phrase blood is thicker than water. But regardless of blood- or water-family, he was loyal to those in his life. He always strived to learn more about them and the world they lived in. Even now, years after his passing, those friends still keep in contact with Ricky’s family.
Ricky attended the University of Massachusetts to become a substance use counselor and was an advocate for everyone to carry Narcan. Bernadette recalls at least six people Ricky saved by using opioid reversal agents. Though he lived with substance use disorder for many years, neither he nor his family ever gave up hope for his recovery. He planned to get his own apartment, start dating, work out and get healthy. He had previously worked with the MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and wanted to return to that work. Determined to make his dreams a reality, he went to treatment many, many times.
“The disease changed Ricky in some ways, but deep down, he was still the same beautiful soul. Ricky knew how much we loved and adored him,” Bernadette said.
Ricky’s family viewed addiction like any other disease—something to be treated and supported without shame or stigma. Unfortunately, the lack of systemic support failed him, as it failed many. Lives continue to be lost. One of these lives, four years following Ricky’s passing, would be one of his younger brothers, Nicholas. “My sweet Nick, who gave so much love,” Bernadette shared. “I rail against the universe for this second assault.”
Bernadette, Rich, and Chris grieve for Ricky every day—missing his love, friendship, and simply being his family. They established a foundation in his honor, RICKY, Inc.: Respecting Individuals with Care and Kindness, You matter. The foundation delivers backpacks filled with essential items to those who are unhoused, or who have mental illness, and SUD. They now include scholarships for substance-free living and Uber rides to detox and treatment.
Ricky’s mother, Bernadette Giacoppo, provided the information for this narrative.
May 24, 1984-May 11, 2019–Age 34
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Angela Day
