Richard P. Marrero, 70, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 19th, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Richard was a lifelong resident of Bristol, CT after coming to the United Stated with his family from Dorado, Puerto Rico. One of eight children, Richard was born on November 30, 1951 to Mario and Carmen Marrero. He was predeceased by his brothers Hector and Raymond. He is survived by his siblings Mary, Wanda, Joseph, Carmen and Mario. He married the love of his life and best friend Donna Marie (White) Marrero on November 10, 1979, having been married nearly 43 years. Richard graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1969. He was a proud cross country runner and supportive teammate. He was extra proud of running with his older brother and teammates as they won the CCIL Championship with Coach Bernard “Bernie” O’Keefe. Starting his career in healthcare at the early age of 18 as an OR Tech, Richard also served proudly in the US Army as a Combat Medic, from which he then pursued his education. He proudly graduated from Nursing School at Capital Community College in 1986 with an A grade point average. He was an amazingly compassionate and extraordinary Register Nurse since then, always willing to give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. Working at various health organizations throughout the state of Connecticut, his responsibilities ranged from nursing development and education to Director of Nurses. But most importantly, he was a selfless caregiver. Outside of his nursing career, Richard was an avid musician. Anywhere from playing drums in his high school band to swinging microphones as lead singer on bigger stages. Richard loved of all things music. It was a huge part of his life and something he lovingly shared with him family and friends. He especially loved teaching his children as much about music as possible, with his eclectic tastes and overwhelming talent. Not only musically inclined, Richard’s artistic abilities ranged from home improvement, to decorative cake making and unapologetically taking over his kid’s school projects which would lead them to an A. Richard also was a proud coach to his son and daughters basketball team at St. Matthew School. It has been said that Coach Marrero would give the most amazing and motivational pep talks before a game. Richard was a walking encyclopedia. A huge History buff, the family would marvel at his ability to answer almost every question on Jeopardy. Richard leaves behind his children, Matthew Collin of New York City, Alan Richard and his girlfriend Amy of Wallingford, Andrea Carmen Linda and her fiancé William Hughes of Bristol. His first and only grandchild, Juliana Grace, daughter to Alan, will miss her Papa very much. Richard also leaves behind his “favorite” children; his dogs, Loki and Thor, who still wait for his return. The entire family has lost a valuable treasure, but will live life full of love and gratitude to honor the amazing and passionate life he led. Not a day will go by where something doesn’t remind us of him, whether musically, comically, philosophically or just in the everyday ordinary things. No one will tell a story like he can. No one will sing to us the way he could. No one will love us the way he loved us. And we will carry him, proudly, in our hearts, souls and minds until our last days on this Earth, until we can meet him again someday.
The visiting hours will be on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol who has the honor of serving Richard’s family. Funeral services will begin at 9:15 AM, on Thursday May 26, 2022 at the funeral home, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM in St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Bristol. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to one of the following; Palliative Care of St. Francis Hospital, Hartford or Hospice of Bristol Hospital or of one's choice in Richard's name.To leave an online condolence or to view a remembrance video go to Richard’s memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
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