Mr. Richard Elliott Byrd Jr.

Mr. Richard Elliott "Rickey" Byrd Jr., 54, of Griggs Street, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 25, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital. Rickey was born on June 8, 1963 in Waterbury a son to Richard E "Dicky" and Yvonne (Anderson) Byrd Sr. of Waterbury. Richard attended Wilby High School graduating in 1982. During Richard's high school years, he was a member of the Junior Achievement club, and a drummer for the Dynamic Imperial drill team. He loved sports and was a die-hard Yankee fan who also liked to play football, and basketball. Richard loved to fix cars, cook, roller skating and listening to music. In his early years he played in the summer league baseball league for the Waterbury P.A. L. under the coaching of the late Mr. Willie White. Richard drove school buses in the early 80's before moving to Georgia where he worked as a master grill operator for the Waffle House Inc. in Georgia, and Texas for over 20 years. Richard relocated back to Waterbury in June of 2017 and became a chef for the Naugatuck Valley Community College. He also gave his life to Christ in July of 2017 and was a member of the W.I.R.L. Ministries of Waterbury under the direction and leadership of Apostle Brown. Richard was a very loving and happy go lucky person who was always eager to help others. Richard loved his family and spending time with them. Richard was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Richard always said that his biggest accomplish was becoming a dad and granddad. There was nothing Richard wouldn't do for his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Richard leaves to cherish his memories his children; JaCarl (Melissa) Foy, Sherece Steward, LaShawn (Dominique) Byrd Sr. all of Waterbury, Kendall Elliott of Suffolk, VA and Alicia Calloway of Decatur, GA. six grandchildren Sy'Ree Steward, LaShawn Byrd Jr. , Kendrick Elliott, Logan Clinton, Serenity Byrd, and Kaylan Elliott, nine sisters; Sherry (Lee) Kelley, Florinda Byrd, Succora Nealy, and Dawn Sockwell all of Waterbury, Mary Ann (Alvin) Switon of New Britain, CT, Marlene and Darlene Crawford of Manchester, CT, Zania (Russell) Collier of New Haven, CT, Sharia Cooper-Clark of Alabama, four brothers; William (Denise) Byrd II of Albany, GA, Bishop David (Renee) Byrd I of Lawrenceville, GA, Johnathan (LaShell) Jones Sr. of Leesburg, VA, and James (Nicole) Hicks Sr. of Kannapolis, NC, maternal grandmother; Hattie Mae Rush of Waterbury, grand aunt Rosa Lee Cothrine of Waterbury, two aunts;. Patricia Rush of Waterbury and Connie Dorsey of Detroit, MI, six uncles; Robert Lindsay, Edward(Sarah) Rush, Charles Blackwell and Thomas Cooper all of Waterbury, Timmy (Connie) Rush Sr. of Newport News, VA, and. Edward Blackshire of Jacksonville, Fl. a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Richard was predeceased by son Corey (Byrd) Arline, and two brothers Carl and Eric Byrd.