Richard Carolli

Richard Carolli, formerly known as Ricardo E. Carolipio, age 56, died on June 14, 2023 at 6:44 A.M. in Vidant Chowan Hospital in Edenton, NC, of a massive heart attack coupled with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was born in Twenty-Nine Palms, CA., and last lived in Edenton, NC.

Richard's final employment was with Regulator Marine in Edenton, NC, where he took great pride in the care and workmanship he put into the boats he helped build.

He was predeceased by his Mother, Margaret E. Secor; Father, Ricardo C. Carolipio; and his sister, Valerie E. Carolipio. He is survived, dearly loved and missed by his sister, Linda A. Secor of Juneau, AK; brother, Alan R. Secor of Norfolk, VA.; sister Carla Comess (Brad) of Virginia Beach, VA.; sister, Angela C. Rinck (Don) of Vineland, NJ.; his nephew, Mahlon L. Barber, Jr. and Mahlon's three children whom Richard adored; as well as his nephew Kenneth B. Parrish. He's also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He leaves behind many dear friends like Chuck Fisher, whom he considered a second brother, Chuck's wife, Tammie, and their daughter, Hannah. Richard's last love was Teresa Miltier. He cared very much for her, her daughter and granddaughter, whom he viewed as a granddaughter of his own. Eddie Pridgen, Frank Jones, Susan Owen-Brooks and Jason Benford are among a few of the friends he knew for many years and held in high regard.

Everyone who knew Richard has shared what a wonderful person he was, including his neighbors and his landlord, Mr. Gerald Honeyblue, for whom he had great respect.

Despite a traumatic upbringing and having to battle the demons of it, Richard rose above and won in life by loving deeply. He lived a life that entailed having a good and caring heart, an impeccable work ethic, and high moral standards. He was refined and artistic, creative, highly intelligent and a deep thinker. He loved to make everyone around him feel comfortable and safe. He helped whenever he was needed and was happy to be of assistance. Richard loved to laugh and was a genius with celebrity impersonations, his favorite being Anthony Hopkins.

Richard also had an adventurous side. He enjoyed race car driving and attended the Skip Barber Racing School. He also once drove his Buell motorcycle from Alaska, through Canada and down to Virginia.

He completed two novels and was working on two more. He dabbled in acting and was happy to help a friend when asked to do a non-speaking, bit part on The Discovery Channel's FBI: Criminal Pursuit, Season 3 Episode 4. Titled: "Don't Go Home."

Self-taught on the guitar, he loved many genres of music, and was once a member of a band which included his musically talented friend, Jason Benford.

Richard's family members are holding private tributes in remembrance of him, and a gathering of friends, hosted by Chuck Fisher and Susan Owen-Brooks, is being held in his honor, by invitation only.

Richard will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

(A special thanks to Chuck and Susan for the pictures.)