Richard Ocasio

Richard Ocasio – June 17, 1966 – September 9, 2026

Richard Ocasio, known to everyone who loved him as Rick, passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 60, after facing cancer with determination, courage, and grace. He spent his final days lovingly cared for by the Vitas hospice program at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his family. Rick was born on June 17, 1966, in Buffalo, New York, and attended school in Puerto Rico before settling in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he lived most of his life. He built a career as direct support staff with the Institute of the Blind and with WARC, work he was deeply proud of. Helping others came naturally to him, and he carried that spirit into everything he did. Away from work, Rick knew how to enjoy life. He loved the beach and spent many happy hours hiking at Peterson Memorial Park in Wolcott, a place so dear to him that it will serve as the setting for his celebration of life. He adored his pets, his kitty Dahlia and his dog Mei, who brought him daily comfort and companionship. He treasured dinners out at Red Lobster with his daughters, and he cherished the time he spent with his girlfriend Eva and her family. Some of his favorite days were spent fishing alongside his brother Jose at his sister Lilly's house, the kind of simple, good times that meant the most to him. Rick was diagnosed with cancer on his 59th birthday, and he faced the road ahead with the same strength and good humor that defined his life. Through chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he never lost his gratitude or his gift for reminding others what truly matters. His words will be cherished by all who knew him: "Enjoy this day, stay blessed, tomorrow is not promised. It's all good. One day at a time." He was preceded in death by his father, Miguel F. Ocasio; his brother, Miguel Ocasio Jr.; and his beloved wife, Juanita Ocasio. Rick leaves behind his mother, Aida Ocasio; his son, Enrique Perez; his daughters, Veronica Ocasio and Adrianna Ocasio; his brother, Jose Ocasio; his sisters, Lillian Timothy and Elizabeth Martinez; his brothers-in-law, Scott Timothy and Victor Martinez; his sisters-in-law Denise Ocasio and Sharan; and a loving circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles who will miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held rain or shine on Sunday, October 18th at 2 PM at his favorite place, Peterson Memorial Park, Pavilion B & C, 123 Mad River Road, Wolcott, Connecticut. Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear. Oh Lord, we give thanks for the gift of a life so full of love and kindness. Though we grieve our beloved Richard's absence, we rejoice that sorrow and pain are no more. His spirit lives on in the hearts of family and friends, a light that cannot be dimmed. Until we are reunited, may his memory be our comfort and his love be our guide. Forever missed, forever cherished, forever in our hearts.