Rick was my best friend in college. Obviously we fell out of contact with each other some time after graduation. And it’s only through a common friend that I even found out about his passing, years after it happened. But the news has been even more shocking now, and I can’t explain why. Except to realize how close we once were. I visited him with his parents in NJ and he came to my parents house in Chicago. We both joined the same fraternity at the same time as freshmen at the Illinois Institute of Technology. We both transferred out of that school to the University of Illinois Chicago at the same time. I got married, went into the Peace Corps, came back, had a son, moved to Phoenix. He went back to NJ. We lost touch. About 12 years ago I visited him in NJ and we reconnected at least briefly.

I watched the video memorial and even, surprisingly, appear in it on a bench with him, probably in Chicago.

Rick was an exceptional person, very intelligent, very unassuming, great athlete, musically adept, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a lasting effect on me and my life - and even though we did not stay in contact, I feel that effect deeply still. I am grateful to have shared part of his journey.

Tom Walsh

I met Rick in Chicago in 1974. He was super nice guy. Very talented. Sense of humor.

He and I hitchhiked from Chicago to Los Angeles in January 1976. Had great fun.

I am sorry for your loss.

I attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Mary's High School in South Amboy with Rick. He was a great guy with a pleasant personality and a great athlete. Since I moved to California over 40 years ago, I think the last time I saw him when he was bowling with John Kaboski's team, Kobra Corps in Sayreville at least 30 plus years ago.

I only have positive memories of Rick.

May God bless him!

Sincerely,

Joe Jaskowiak