Richard Rapazzo Jr. Obituary

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we share the sudden passing of Richard Anthony Rapazzo Jr., affectionately known as Richie, Rich, or Richie Woo Woo, who left us far too soon on July 13, 2025, at the age of 36. Richie passed peacefully in the comfort of his home, where he resided and cared selflessly for his disabled mother.

Born on September 24, 1988, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Richie was a gentle soul who carried a heart full of compassion. Life dealt him many trails and tribulations that could have broken anyone. He endured more than most will ever know, yet he preserved with strength. Despite his own struggles, he continued to give, to love, and to care for others – often putting their needs above his own.

Richie had a special spark. He was a traveler who adored airplanes since childhood, dreaming of one day flying among the clouds. He brough that dream to life in part while working in the baggage department for United Airlines – a job he loved and took great pride in. His time in the skies and traveling with his family were some of his most joyful moments.

From the age of nine to fifteen, Richie volunteered at a soup kitchen in Manchester, NH, serving the homeless with compassion and dignity. This early glimpse of his kindness carried into adulthood, as he became the full-time caregiver for his mother, Barbara Castro Castillo, giving up his own ambitions to ensure she was safe and supported. His love and loyalty were unwavering.

He is survived by his devoted mother Barbara, his brother Jared Jensen, and his sister Alicia Jensen. Richie was a proud and loving uncle to his nieces Lexis, Destiny, and Ashlynn, and will be deeply missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He is reunited in Heaven with his father, Richard "Rappa" Rapazzo Sr., his nana Rose Rapazzo, his grandparents, Larry and Bertha Wallace and his nephew Jaxson Jensen.

Richie had a heart that gave freely and arms always open to those in need. He struggled to find peace in this life, wrestling with pain that he rarely let others see. Our deepest hope is that in his passing, he has finally found the peace that he struggled to find in his time on earth.

He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Family and friends are warmly welcomed to attend a grave service at Pine Grove Cemetery, 765 Brown Ave, Manchester, NH 03103 on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11am. Those who attend are asked to meet at the main entrance of the cemetery where we will all process over together.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Richie's GoFundMe page to help lay him to rest with dignity and love.