Richard A. Pirri

Richard "Rico" "Rick" Anthony Pirri of Fort Wayne, Ind., died in his home Sept. 29, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born April 11, 1951, in Chicago and grew up in Coloma.

His son, Anthony Pirri said it well: "Dad was a wealth of knowledge and humor, loved by everyone who met him. He was a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan who loved his sons and his grandkids." Others concur, describing Rick as an encyclopedic fountain of knowledge. Before Google, friends called on Rick 24/7 to settle arguments or bets regardless of the topic. He once said he had "the curse of literacy" and could not pass up a book or newspaper. He remembered all of it.

Children in his life called him amazing. A storyteller, a comforting prop for naps and a "first coach" for toddler baseball with a spot-on pitch that hit the bat every time. Rick saw and heard kids exactly as they are. His laugh, love of music and musicians, from Louis Prima to contemporary, will be remembered by all who knew him. When the guitar came out, young voices were at the ready.

Friendships with bandmates and colleagues endured. A talented bass player with numerous bands including Rico's Band from Milwaukee (which is what they called the Basement Boys, when they played in his home state of Michigan for his class reunion) and the Street Corner Band which toured both regionally and nationally. A stage manager, box office manager and most recently security guard at Sweetwater Sound of Fort Wayne, Rick stayed close to the music.

Characterized by kindness and loyalty, with a heavy dose of wit, "Rico's friendship was relentless." He wrote countless birthday and holiday cards. If you were born, he knew the date and you got a card. His greetings were counted on 100 percent. He was a gentle and generous man who did not even know how to put himself first and could be trusted to "have your back."

He was a beautiful human being who took pride in his Sicilian/Italian heritage. His light made it impossible to feel down. Those who knew his love will be forever grateful for their time in his sphere.

Richard Anthony Pirri is preceded in death by his son, Michael "Mike" James Pirri; his father, Antonino "Tony" Pirri and his mother, Rosalie (nee Marchese) Pirri.

Richard Pirri is survived by his son, Anthony James Pirri; his daughter-in-law, Stacey Pirri-Huckins; his beloved grandchildren: Richard Anthony Pirri, Paul Michael Pirri, Isabelle Marie Pirri and Rosalie Grace Pirri. He is also survived by his brother Anthony "Tony" Pirri and his long-time companion, Rebecca Zwepink-Polstin.

Rick preferred cremation and no formal memorial service. However, there will likely be several pop-up events to recognize and celebrate his life. You are loved, Richard Anthony Pirri! Please consider a donation in his name to the ACLU or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Arrangements by Midwest Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Ind.