Ricardo Anthony "Rick" Rosonet, Sr.

Ricardo Anthony “Rick” Rosonet, Sr., age 78, of Ocean Springs, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Rick was born in Biloxi on September 26, 1946. He attended Biloxi High School and joined the US Army, where he served for four years. His service included 13 months in Vietnam where he earned two Purple Hearts for wounds received during enemy action. He arrived in Vietnam as one of the first large groups sent by ship, not by air. When Rick joined the US Army, he served with the 101st Airborne, while in Vietnam, he served in the 1st Calvary Division where he was a LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol), and upon returning home, he served in the 82nd Airborne All- American Division. He was proud of being in the Airborne Division, having made many jumps and rappels from a helicopter into enemy territory.

Rick went on to Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated as a Licensed Funeral Service Practitioner. Returning to the Biloxi area, Rick was employed by Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes, from which he later retired.

Rick was a member of Biloxi Knights of Columbus #1244, Fourth Degree Knight, and a member of the Ocean Springs Yacht Club. He was Santa Claus for many years visiting hospitals and private homes. Any monetary gifts he received were given to St. Elizabeth Seton St. Vincent de Paul. Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, cooking, singing, and playing the harmonica.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Brian Sr. and Georgia Nell Gary Rosonet and grandson, Benjamin Rosonet.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Nancy Claire Dick Rosonet; children, Ricardo A. Rosonet, Jr., Jason Lee Rosonet, David A. Holloway, and Erinn Holliway Schauwecker; grandchildren, Brittney Waltenbaugh, Breanna Rosonet, Josh Rosonet, Madison Rosonet, Carney Lomas, Claire De Priest, Lily Schauwecker, Joseph Schauwecker, Denley Holloway, and Holden Holloway; 9 great-grandsons and 2 great-granddaughters on the way; brothers, Charles B. “Chuck” Rosonet and Lt. Commander, US Navy, Gary Michael Rosonet; sister, Victoria Anna O’Bannon; and beloved pets, Peso, Heidi, Gabby, and Drake.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Melinda and Amber with Vital Caring Group for their excellent care of Rick. Also, for Chuck and Mary Rosonet, Mimi and Todd Massa, and Cindy and Butch Mason for their love and support during Rick’s final days. Likewise, to all the friends that showed concern for Rick, thank you for your support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, D’Iberville. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. There will be a private burial at Biloxi National Cemetery with US Army honors. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rosonet family.

The family prefers memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.