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Rick Novito Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Rick Novito
Shawn Hinshaw
March 26, 2008
Dear Novito Family,
I am sorry to be one of the late entries in this tribute to your son and to pay respect to such a kind and gentle soul, an angel. I thought you should know this story and perhaps it might bring you a small amount of comfort in your time of mourning.
I met Rick 6 months ago at the 3 Sisters Winery by Sequim, WA. I took a weekend away from the stressful life I was leading to stay by the ocean, which I dearly love and reflect on the really important things in life. I spent 4 days at a small cabin, with a wood-stove for heat and sea lions for entertainment listening to Rick's music. I decided friends and family were the important things in my life and I would always treasure and protect them no matter what.
On a whim I entered the Lucille Ball look-a-like contest at the winery with my friend, and hairdresser, Carla made-up as Ethel. I also had my basset hound, "Ginger Rogers" in tow that special day. I actually won the contest as the best LUCY look-a-like there. I was excited to finally have a chance to see LeRoy's band play live and to meet all the members. Because I was dressed as Lucy and forgot to bring a change of clothes I stayed in costume the entire day.
After the show I spent some time talking to Rick in particular because I thought he added some wonderful sound to the songs. I showed him my driver's license, which had a picture of what I looked like in real life. I remember he told me, "I have never seen such a beautiful driver's license picture, how did you manage that? My good friend Carla, (My hair dresser) replied, "I guess it was just a great hair day and we all had a good laugh about that." Rick said, "No, I mean you are truly beautiful both inside and out, I can tell." That comment meant so much to me because I knew it was sincere and was going through a crossroads in life, an extremely challenging time that I am still navigating my way through. Rick gave me his phone number and told me to call him any time I needed to talk.
I never did tell Rick what I had been through in my life, but they were very traumatic events, perhaps the worst in my lifetime, until the night of February 26th.
I called Rick months after the Lucy show to talk and he told me he had a show that night at The Triple Door. I told him I would be there without the Lucy costume and would show him my driver's license, so he would know who I was. I sat with a friend in the front row and he recognized me without my having to show him the license. I danced the entire night and had a wonderful time.
After the show we spoke for awhile and he told me to call him again soon. He also introduced me to his mother and father. His mom was very sweet. We spoke about cooking and her talented son. She told me I looked Italian and I told her I was, that my grandfather (Angelo) was from Northern Sicily and my grandmother (Elaine) was from Florence. My mother's maiden name was Sandri, shortened when my grandparents immigrated to the U.S.
I had to leave early that night and it was the last time I saw or spoke to Rick due to many circumstances.
I came across his phone number in an envelope marked, put in phone book on February 26th, 2008. I thought, "I need to call him soon."
I was listening to his music on the evening of February 26th on my way to the airport to pick-up my mother, and thinking of the upcoming concert I know he had scheduled at the Triple Door and my need to call him. (I had no idea he was ill.) My mother's flight was delayed and I needed a blow-up air mattress for her to sleep on that night, so I stopped at the Target in Tukwilla. I finished listening to one of Rick's songs and went into the Target to get the mattress.
I had to hurry because it was 15 minutes prior to the store closing. I rushed through the store and could not find a blow-up bed, but finally found one, they were in the camping section and I had not thought to look there. I got the mattress, and was the last person to check out of the store.
I was driving a brand new rental mini-van that night, that had fancy new key fobs or electronic ignition keys to start the van. They were the only thing besides my purse I took in the store with me. As the manager was unlocking the 2nd set of exterior doors of the store to let me out, I had my purse on one arm and the Target bag on the other arm. I had the keys in my hand. For some unknown reason the manager was struggling to unlock the door. Someone, a voice told me to unlock the van doors now and put the keys in the back pocket of my jeans. I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS IN MY LIFE, but without thinking did just that.
I was happy to be headed to the airport to pick-up my mother and that I had found a air mattress for her. The manager locked the doors behind me and I headed for the unlocked mini-van. I opened the slider door on the drivers side of the van when I heard someone say, "can you help us find our way home?" It was two men, then three, who came out of nowhere and they told me they were lost, trying to figure out the address/location of the store to give directions to their ride. I had never been there before, so I told them to go knock on the door and ask for the address of the store.
Oddly, Rick's image popped into my mind and the men continued asking me questions. I told them I could not help them further and that I was sorry. I needed to get to the airport to get my mom. I turned around and set my purse and the Target bag in the back of the van.
The hair on the back of my neck immediately stood-up and I felt a shiver and complete sense of danger/fear surge through me. I turned around and the three men were close enough I could smell their breath. They told me this was a car jacking and an armed robbery. I was in immediate shock.
They asked for my purse and wallet. I could not find them because I was sitting on top of them in the back of the van at this point. One of the men pulled out a Glock 9mm and put it to my head. He told me, "Give us your purse, wallet, and keys now or we are going to kill you!" This threat was repeated to me several times as I was being pushed around and hit upside the head with the gun. I finally found the purse, but could not find my keys.
I had forgotten where I had put them and suggested that I may have left them on the counter in the store, as I had done that a bunch of times before. A voice inside my head said "just remain calm, the keys are in your back pocket, remember?, don't tell them and you'll be ok." "It is not your time to go now." I did just what the voice told me, and tried to calm them down as they were searching the van and me. One of the other men showed me a second gun and a roll of duct tape. I started crying and freaking out. I keep hearing the words, "not your time." This voice told me, "stall for time and think about what you have in the van that can help you escape, something to aid in your protection." The entire time I was being assaulted and told I would be taken and killed I kept running a list of items I had in the van through my head. Then out of nowhere I saw a bright light, I thought it was a police car, the one guy on a cell phone said, "let's get out of here." They hit me one last time and told me I was lucky to live and not to move until I could not see the taillights of the get-away car any longer. I did as I was told. It was not a police car, the bright light, I did not see it, only the guys assaulting me saw something and were spooked off.
Much more occurred that night, but the most memorable moment, was the voice in my head which kept telling me to remain calm and remember the keys were in my back pocket. I knew this was my ticket to survival.
I had no doubt, prior to hearing the voice that these men were going to kill me. I was absolutely certain of it, but I wasn't ready to go yet, not without a fight. This was the same day Rick started his journey to heaven.
The police told me the only reason I was not taken and survived the attack was because I was stalling them with the keys located in my back pocket. The fact I was sitting on them the entire time.
I just found out today, March 26th exactly one month since Rick started his journey to heaven that he died the day I was attacked and thanks to him, my guardian angel, and what I believe was his advice, I survived a brutal assault. I know now, the guardian angel and voice was Rick. I can't believe he is gone.
I am shocked, but understand what happened to me now. I am still suffering from PTS, but I knew I had to make it to his concert to see him so we could talk. I looked up the concert on the Triple Door's Website and found out Rick was gone. I believe I would have been killed that night if it wasn't for what I now know was his voice telling me to put the keys in my back pocket. He saved my life and truly is an angel. Thank you Rick. I will see you when it is time and listen for your guiding voice. Unbelievable, I never stop believing in destiny and miracles.
My surviving this attack was a miracle for me and my family. I am only sorry I did not get to know you better before the night of February 26th. I did not even know you were ill. Although our time knowing each other was brief, I will never forget you or the gift of survival you gave me that night.
I will be at the remembrance concert in June to pay tribute to you, my guardian angel. If anyone questions this event call the Tukwilla police and ask them about the armed robbery and assault that took place in the parking lot of Target on February 26th, 2008.
Sincere Thanks,
Shawn Michelle Hinshaw (Sandri) or (Lucy)
Trisha Morrison/Fladseth
March 19, 2008
I am signing this again, because I have to say how wonderful Rick's service was. I have never seen so many people at Holy Rosary Church, except maybe on Christmas Eve. It became so obvious how much Rick was loved and respected by everyone that ever had the pleasure to be graced by his presence. He was a wonderful soul, and I will miss the chance meetings with him, on the streets of West Seattle. My prayers continue for his family.
Brian and Mary Jo McFaul
March 18, 2008
Rick came to our rescue in the middle of a kitchen remodel that had gone astray. He jumped right in and worked to finish our project beautifully. We enjoyed visiting with Rick so much on a daily basis, that when he was finished with the kitchen, we found more for him to do just so we could enjoy his company for longer. He spoke so lovingly of his family and his music. He even spent some time showing my daughter some guitar tips! Rick left a part of himself in his work in our home, and we will always treasure his craftmanship and the opportunity we were given to get to know a very special man. Rick and your family are often in our thoughts and will remain in our prayers.
Teresa Saunders
March 15, 2008
Novito Family,
Most days I look at this book to see the new entries and think of Rick. I am not surprised that so many people have reached out to you. It has been 20, 25 years since I last saw Rick. We used to pal around in West Seattle, going to the little park on the beach next to Lincoln Park. He was painting and loved his music and Band X. I remember his calm demenor and how he got along with everyone. It is great to hear that he was doing so well with his music. My condolences to your family.
Mindy Betzler
March 9, 2008
We were so sad to hear of Ricks' passing. He was very special to mom and dad and I have fond memories of school days. Please take comfort in knowing that we have a wonderful new angel looking over us . With warm thoughts and prayers, Mindy(Meyer) Betzler and Judy Meyer
Geri Kraft
March 7, 2008
Rick was a talented human being who shared his abilities with all of us in many ways. His craftmanship with wood and his skill as a musician were remarkable. He was a good man and he will be greatly missed.
March 6, 2008
To The Novito Family,
Although I do not know you all well, it is always a pleasure to run into one of you. What a wonderful, kind and supportive family you are. Mrs. Novito you must be very proud of your beautiful family. I will always remeber Rick with his beautiful smile and eyes. What a gentleman. You are all truly a blessing. I pray that you will find strength and comfort during this very difficult time. May God and Rick's eternal light shine on you all.
Sincerely,
Maureen Shaughnessy Nelson
Robert Fuda
March 6, 2008
To Gloria,Jill,Cindy,Ron,Randy and to all the Novito Family. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Rick was a true Friend during our School years(The Band Midnight Sun). Such fond memories. I was at the services for him tonight. Your Family should be Proud of all the people he TOUCHED. It was a honer having Rick as a friend as I grew up. May God Bless Your Family during this hard time. Bob and Barb Fuda
Mary (Tarabochia) Olason
March 6, 2008
Novito family,
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ray & Mary Louise (Campagnaro)Giacomini
March 6, 2008
Gloria and Family:
Even though I never did meet Rick personally I knew he was a wonderful son. Our most sincere sympathy and condolences on the loss of your dear and beloved son and brother to your family. We've been living in California for almost 46 years.
Gianluca Danielli
March 6, 2008
I'll miss Rick a lot, It was a pleasure to pass time with him in Seattle. He was a wonderful human being.
My thoughts and prayers to all the Novito wonderful family.
Cheri Pompeo
March 6, 2008
I can only repeat what everyone else says, my cousin, you are a beautiful and gentle man and I'm glad to have known you.
I will be with the family today.
We will all miss you.
Leanne Smith
March 6, 2008
Gloria, Ron, Shannon, Natalie and all of the Novito Family.
Our lives are blessed for knowing Rick. Heaven has been graced by the arrival of a very calm spirited, talented and beautiful soul. Natalie,
I know you have pain in your heart for the loss of your Uncle Rick but no
one can take away all the time you spent with him and he will live in your
heart the rest of your life.
All my love,
Leanne Smith
PS: there is some awesome music playing in heaven right now.
Laurie Streck (Tunison)
March 6, 2008
It is just such a tragedy to have lost such a gentleman and gentle
man. Everytime that I would see Rick, he always gave me a hug & a smile...He was so gentle, humble, sweet & welcoming and always had a kind word and a willingness to listen...I loved his laugh & he was quick to laugh. Both of my girls remember going to Jils' daycare & always finding a welcoming, warm & safe place to rest on Ricks' lap.
He was blessed with so many talents and this world has seen
a bright light fade too quickly. He was a gift to all of us, especially to his loving family....our hearts and prayers go out to all of you....with much love, Laurie, Lynn & Kate
Craig Ibsen
March 5, 2008
It was my pleasure to have worked with Rick some years back. He was an incredible player and a wonderful human being. God bless you Rick, and may God's peace be with the entire Novito family during this time.
Craig Ibsen (Kirkland, Wa.)
Andrea Ricchi
March 5, 2008
I'll miss my cousin Rick a lot. Expecially when he was asking me about Italy. He wanted to know about everything: whenever he saw something that he liked (a car, a tree, a house), he asked me "are there things like this in Italy?" . Most of the times I said "Come and see yourself". Too bad he didn't have a chanche to come. My thoughts and prayers to Gloria, Ron, Randy, Cindy and Gil.
Vicki Talbott
March 5, 2008
My prayers and condolences to Rick's family and friends. What a wonderful soul.
Tanya Gardanar
March 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We feel blessed that we had an opportunity to see Rick perform at the Triple Door several months ago. What a talented and beautiful soul. We will all miss him dearly.
Love Tanya & Stephen Gardanar
Jan Seeley
March 4, 2008
Gloria, Jil, Randy, Ronnie..and the whole family.
My heart breaks with yours. Rick was such a very special guy, always wonderful to me, whether I ran into him in the Safeway parking lot, at Jil's house, at the Triple Door. I'll never forget him and his wonderful talents, his smile, his love for his family. He will be missed.
Cynthia Burke(Tunison)
March 4, 2008
Although our paths had not crossed in many years, I will always think of Rick as the shy, gentle young man with a great smile. I have heard stories of his music (he always did love his guitar) and love of creating beautiful furniture over the years. My sympathy to the Novito family and his music family - Leroy Bell and friends. As John Lennon sang - "WE all shine on" - Rick is still shining on all of us.
Thomas and Carol Borda
March 4, 2008
My family had the privilege of getting to know Rick for 2 months last year when he worked on the interior of our house. It's not always easy having a stranger come into your home everyday, but it wasn't long before Rick was part of the family. We now hold his memory in the beautiful mantel he created for us. He was a true renaissance man. Our thoughts are with his family he spoke so often about.
Trisha Morrison/Fladseth
March 4, 2008
My most sincere and heartfelt sympathy and love goes out to Rick's family at this very sad and most difficult time. I had no idea Rick was ill. I'd have prayed for his healing, along with all the other people whose lives he's touched with warmth and genuine friendship. I know he is smiling down on his family, and wanting them to carry on with strength. It has been several years since I've seen him, but I'll always remember him as a humorous, kind, gentle, caring, humble, and artistic gentleman. We went to school together, and shared many laughs. Every time I'd seen him since 1972, he always had a warm smile and a hug for me. Hold him close in your memories and dreams, and know that he'll be in your hearts forever. Rock on Rick! You'll be sorely missed....
Scott Rains
March 4, 2008
I am sure it has been 30 years since I last saw Rick. Even so, every time someone has mentioned him in the intervening years it has always been with respect and a quiet testimony to what an extraordinary human being he was. My prayers are with you all even though I will not be able to make it up to Holy Rosary.
beverly carlson-hammick
March 4, 2008
Rick was one of my special Holy Rosary friends, will be greatly missed. Beverly Carlson-Hammick.
Julie Sherwood (Knackstedt)
March 4, 2008
To the Novito Family - I was sorry to hear the sad news of Rick's passing. Rick was a wonderful person to know. To his mom, sisters, and brother my deepest sympathy and prayers that your hearts mend and your memories stay strong.
Patty (Wallace) Valentine
March 4, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ricks passing. He was beautiful inside and out. My heart goes out to all of you.
Love,
Carol & Tony Dortero
March 4, 2008
Throughout the years, our paths have crossed, and we always came away feeling (actually, KNOWING) that we had been touched again by an extraordinary human being. To the Novito Family ~ We pray that you will take comfort in your memories of Rick. He must have made you all so proud, and given you such great love. To Rick ~ We will never forget you. You have touched our lives forever, and we thank God for your friendship.
With Love,
Nicolina (Morin) Lee
March 4, 2008
I got to know Rick when we worked together a short time at Husky Deli. He always had a smile on his face, such a woderful young man. It made my day when I saw he was on the work schedule. My sister, Cathy, started working there a short time after I left. She would share with me the great times working with him. EVERYBODY LOVED RICK!!!! My deepest condolences, especially to his mother (What a great son you raised!) and to the rest of his family.
Sherry Bloxam
March 4, 2008
How sad to lose another gentle soul. I remember how great he was at guitar and how nice he was to everyone - even the not cute girls.
Sherry, WSHS class of '72
March 4, 2008
Our deepest Sympathy to the Novito family..... on this tragic loss.
Randy , you have been a brother too me for almost 20 years now....Having had the blessed opportunity to meet and spend time with your family has meant allot to me . In this time of loss and suffering, know that you are not alone....we are with you .
Our prayers for Ricky, his family and the healing of your entire family continue.
Be proud , find peace, that the good fight was fought by Ricky,and his family, through hope against hope .... and not until all hope was lost , not until even the chance for the miracle was gone, was Ricky ready for his promised rest in the "beautiful place"...... his passing into heaven.
May God Please Bless All........nick & terri lillo
Teddi Ryzek
March 3, 2008
I had an opportunity to meet Rick,at one of their concerts in Seattle,WA. I was in awe of the talent that drew me in. He had a passion for the music and all that it represents. I feel blessed to have been a witness to a great musician. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless,
Teddi Ryzek, Olympia
JEANEEN SHAUGHNESSY-Chapman
March 3, 2008
I'm so sad to hear of Ricks passing.
He was a wonderful, gentle soul. My
thoughts and prayers continue for his family. God comfort you during this sad time.
MARY BETHUNE
March 3, 2008
Rick, Doug thought so much of you as a person and as a musician. I am sure you are both jamming away in heaven. Thanks for playing at my graduation and making it so special.
Bless you and your family
Stephen Norton
March 3, 2008
Rickey was such a cool dude.Growing up with him was a real joy. He had this way of making you feel comfortable around him always. I always looked forward to watching him and the Midnight Sun. After High School I was blessed to run into him at a few night spots and coffee shops and enjoy conversation with him. He is in Heaven playing on the Big Stage performing for the greatest audience he has ever seen.
I see Moses, Jacob. King David, Abraham, Joesph, Mary, Joshua,The Apostles,John the Baptist, and so many more that we read about in the Bible, and of course the loved ones we have lost years past. My Dad and Uncles and aunts. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand and blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Dave Ryles
March 3, 2008
As a class mate of Randy, I met Rick a few times. I was lucky enough to see and hear him play the guitar on a couple of occasions. It is a great loss to the Novito family and to the music community. May he play until eternity with all the other greats in Music heaven. Bless him and all the lives he touched. Rock on Rick
John, Cindy and Alex Bernasconi
March 3, 2008
Our hearts and lives were enhanced greatly knowing this beautiful person.
You will truly be missed and always be loved.
Kris Brown
March 3, 2008
It was a privilege to have had Rick paint the interior of my house twice. His work was impeccable, but more importantly his presence was delightful. We had many great talks while he was painting or cleaning up - about family, music, food, the Mariners, cats, Seattle, and careers. We discovered that we had similar values and interests. I regret not ever having heard Rick perform with his band. May Rick's loving family be comforted in the knowledge that Rick is enjoying eternal happiness and peace (and great music) in heaven, and in remembering all the lives he touched with his genuine warmth and humor, and simply by being himself. I mourn your loss, as do all of Rick's many friends and acquaintances. With admiration and prayers for Rick and for his family - Love, Kris Brown
Kathie (Dempsey) Itter
March 3, 2008
I was so sad to hear that Rick was ill and even more so to hear of his passing. We had known each other since the first grade and though we didn't see each other often, Rick always had a warm smile and big hug for me when we did. It's hard to say goodbye to such a sweet and gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Karyn Eby
March 3, 2008
Rick your personality and talent will be sorely missed. It seems like yesterday when you sat down at the Aquarium during your last show at the Triple Door and told me of the challenges ahead. My sympathies go out to your family and Leroy, Terri and the band.
Lucy Pagliaro Roberts
March 3, 2008
To all the Novito Family-Gloria, Jil, Cindy,
Sorry from our family to yours in your loss of your son, brother and friend. Rick will be always be remembered fondly in our hearts. Pagliaro Family-Tina, Vince and Lucy
beth leahy nixon
March 3, 2008
You will alway's be thought as a special friend to all that you have touched in your life with the talent of music, rest in peace.
Nancy Benavente
March 2, 2008
We were so privileged to hear Rick play on many occasions with LeRoy. After shows, his quiet humility showed his genuine love for the music and the fans who came to see him. Our thoughts are with his family. God Bless.
Christy Rowe
March 2, 2008
Rick was a sweet and gentle soul and will be greatly missed. We both graduated from WS in '72 and have crossed paths many times since through mutual friends. We had a wonderful time the last time we saw him at the Triple Door with LeRoy Bell. He will we missed.
Steven Swanson
March 2, 2008
Even though I hadn't kept in touch with Rick for years, I always thought of him. I played music with him in the eighties and have many fond memories. Always a gentleman without prejudice, never judgmental, a pure soul. Handsome, talented, creatively blessed in any endeavor he sought to pursue. Leaving us way too early. He is now playing with the best band in the cosmos. Thank you Rick for being my friend and we will meet again.
Your Friend,
Steve Swanson
Jenifer O'Brien
March 2, 2008
Gloria, Jil and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that others care and support you and your family.
Tim Haines
March 2, 2008
Rick was a giant in music.
It was a priveledge to know and perform with him.
Tim Haines
Seattle, WA
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