RICHARD WILLIAM MASI, age 36 of Tarpon Springs, Florida passed away April 29th, 2021 from injuries sustained in a recent auto accident. Rick was born on November 21st, 1984 in Charlotte, NC. He leaves behind his beloved cat “ICEMAN” who often showed Rick who was in charge and put him in his place.
Rick is survived by his mother, Laura L Buchkovich and stepdad Steve Buchkovich of Tarpon Springs, his father Fred V Masi of Raymond, ME, and his sister Kristen L Caldwell of Palm Harbor, FL along with numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Rick moved to Florida with his family in 1992 and attended Tarpon Springs, Middle and High school where he enjoyed playing football and wrestling. He graduated from Tarpon high with the class of 2003. He studied automotive technology at UTI in Orlando. Rick loved working with his hands and settled into residential construction. He always took pride in his excellent workmanship.
Rick loved NFL football, but his two favorite passions were Formula One racing with team Ferrari and online video gaming where he regularly competed with friends from all over the world.
Hundreds of loving tributes were received from social media since his passing was announced. His memory and legacy will live on.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at 1pm at St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church in Tarpon Springs. Following the service, friends are invited to a “Celebration of Rick’s Life” at Morgan Mae’s Oyster House in Tarpon Springs.
We request that in lieu of flowers, please do something nice for someone else. Or please consider donating to Rick’s favorite charity, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church
CHUCK HADDAD
May 14, 2021, 6:08 pm
Steve, Laura Lee, Kristen I will always remember the great times Sally and I had in Florida which so often times included Rick. My sorrow for your family and your loss is very deep and made so much more so by the sheer distance Connecticut is from Florida. Rick as well as your entire family are forever in my heart, my prayers and mass offerings–I was so blessed to have been a part of this fantastic family. I will always remember Rick as a good boy who always treated everyone with kindness and respect; that’s a sign of a good upbringing in my book.
Leslie Mahaffey
May 14, 2021, 6:40 pm
So very sorry for your loss! I remember Rick running around CLT TWR. Such a sweet boy!! I can’t even imagine how you guys are feeling!! Many hugs and prayers!
Marty
May 15, 2021, 7:27 pm
I am so so sorry for your loss.
Miranda Rice
May 20, 2021, 7:01 am
My husband started playing Destiny with Rick around 2017. He was in a regular group that played and I would frequently put on the headset to talk to the guys. The last year or so Rick had told us he didn’t have his PlayStation anymore and my hubby wanted to play Destiny with him again, so we ordered Rick a new PS4 for store pickup near his home. We loved getting to know Rick and to hear about Iceman. I kept Rick’s birthday in my phone so I could always wish him a happy one. My hubby and I had hoped to visit him later this year. I’m so so sorry for your loss. We miss him very much.
Chip Dytko
May 26, 2021, 4:18 pm
Laura, Steve, Kristen, Ally, Liam, Fred, the family mourns deeply from the sudden loss of a great son, brother nephew and cousin to us all. I miss our Sunday Formula-1 post-race conversations. May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Love
Uncle Chip