August 2, 1963 – January 15, 2025
Age 61
Visitation:
Monday, January 20, 2024
2:00pm – 7:00 pm
Funeral Mass:
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
10:45 am
Holy Name of Mary RC Church
55 E. Jamaica Avenue
Valley Stream, New York
11580
Procession to the Crematory to follow
to chris terry am so sorry hear about richard my deepestsymathy
It is with deep sadness that I write this. My deepest feelings go out to my cousins Patty and Chris. The older we get the more we are hit with curve balls. At least he is now joined with his sister. Denise
To my dear friend of 54 years. The times we shared were the best. You are the brother every friend would want. You always listened, kept stories confidential (it was easier to get a clam or an oyster to open up than you were to reveal someone's personal stories. You were a giant book of knowledge that I could not be able to stump with my "Did You Know?" video clips.
You were, are and always will be a one hard act to follow. Thank you for being my best man at my wedding to Lori, a Godfather to David and most of all a brother like no other to me.
I never knew when you moved in to Valley Stream in 2nd grade and when i befriended you, that our friendship would have lasted this long.
Now that I have to say goodbye to you for now, i know you are spending time with your father, sister and another good friend of ours, John Muller as well.
Just do me one favor, when you spend time with John, please don't be looking down and be breaking my chops! I won't be able to defend myself against you two.
I will miss ÿou and John both as well as your dad and sister. Rest in peace Buddy.
Uncle Richie, I cannot believe that this is happening, I miss you dearly already. You were and still are an amazing uncle. You taught me so many things like fishing, fly fishing, making flies, and giving me so many wonderful facts about everything and anything you knew. I’m so proud of you and I’m so proud that I got to witness you receiving an award and how close we have gotten since my transition. You really saw me for me and I really felt and knew that. I have so much heartache that our time got cut short, but I hope you’re resting well and enjoying your time in the Keys. I really miss you and I love you so much. You knew just what to say to make someone feel better and there is and was no one like you with your sarcasm and your wise guy words. Your one of the best uncles I’ve ever had and I’m so happy we got closer these last few years, I love you.
Inspector/Friend and Fillin Brother.....
Sir when people ask me what is the definition of a man I will say "Rich Vela" when someone asks what scares me the most it will be to not be able to live up to the man/legend of Rich Vela. everyone has their own memories about Rich. We all have a piece of this great man inside us. When a cardinal comes to your window remember that Rich came back to tell you he is around. But most of us have an empty feeling now and that's because the phone will never ring again from Rich, the laughs are the ones we shared not the ones we will share. But most of all out of everything I will miss is looking at him wondering what is underneath that tough exterior and for a moment see that he showed his warmth with a gesture or a small sarcastic statement that made a tough moment a funny one. Goodbye for now Inspector as you arrived first keep a safe place for me and please look after us all from above.
I truly love you buddy live free now....Forever in my heart. Bob.....