Ricardo Patrick "Rick" Samuels

Ricardo Patrick Samuels was born on March 17, 1957 at Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of two sons born to the union of Karl Alfonso Samuels and Dolores (Davies) Samuels. Rick attended Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, graduating with the class of 1976.
On March 12, 1977 in Southfield, Rick married the love of his life the former Jessie Mae Bidwell and together the couple was blessed with two sons and two daughters. To help provide for his family, Rick was the proud owner operator of Triple A Builders. Rick had a true passion for his work. He put his talents to good use building, doing ceramic tile, plumbing, and electrical which was his specialty. Rick continued his education by obtaining his contractor license through the State of Michigan.
Rick loved to spend his free time at the Humbug Marina in Gibraltar. With access to the Detroit River near Belle Isle he fished for hours in search of Walleye and White Bass, but was happy with anything he reeled in. He loved Detroit sports especially the Red Wings and Lions. He had a bigger than life appetite and enjoyed eating pizza, venison, and large hamburgers. He once ate thirty hamburgers and a milkshake in one sitting and enjoyed telling that story. He was a master at bartering prices for anything and everything.
Rick had a positive outlook on life and always kept in the highest of spirits. He found the beauty in everything and when people visited with Rick, whether it was for minutes or hours, you always left encouraged. His passion for life was admirable and even if those in his midst might want to give up, Rick always found a way to push forward. He never met a stranger and quickly became loved by all that met him. He often went out of his way to purchase cakes from Meijer to encourage people he knew were retiring from one of his favorite places to shop.
Ricardo Patrick Samuels, age 68 of Gibraltar, Michigan passed away on Friday; December 26, 2025, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital after an extended illness. His passing was preceded by his parents: Karl A. and Dolores Samuels and a son: John Samuels.
To cherish his memory he leaves his loving wife of forty-eight years: Jessie Mae Samuels of Gibraltar; a son: Ricardo (Pamela) Samuels Jr. of Monroe; two daughters: Jacqueline (Nathaniel) Brown of Clinton, and Tiffany (Jeffrey) Elliott of Monroe; a brother: Tracy (Chris) Samuels; a cousin: Lorna Long-Balan (Victor); cousins; and twelve grandchildren: Morgan, Taylor, Lance, Avalon, Leah, Bailey, Jacy, Hunter, Tanner, Fisher, Henry, and Kadynn.
Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Saturday; March 21, 2026, at the Meadowlands Clubhouse, 29080 Meadowlark Boulevard; Gibraltar, Michigan 48173 for a time of sharing and fellowship. Service will start at 1:00pm and will be officiated by his son in law, Nathaniel Brown. Ricardo's care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
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