Richard Vance "Ricky" Martin

1964 - 2022

Quaker Hill - Richard Vance "Ricky" Martin passed Oct. 1, 2022, with his husband Stephen Taylor by his side. Rick adored his husband and they celebrated their 30-year anniversary this past May. Stephen was a loving caregiver to Rick throughout his brief illness and the time spent together only brought them closer to one another. Ricky was born Jan. 8,1964 to Dora McDonald and Vance Martin.

He grew up in the Norwich area, attending Smith Avenue in Norwich, and Lisbon Central Elementary School. He was a 1982 graduate of Norwich Free Academy and obtained his associate's degree from Three Rivers Community College.

Rick was a dedicated employee in the service industry, beginning his career at Mr. Big's in Norwich, and then moving on to various management positions at the Norwich Sheraton, Harrington's Pub and the Lighthouse Inn. His easygoing personality combined with his genuineness made him not only a great leader, but a mentor to those who worked with and for him.

In the early 1990s, Rick became the lead bartender and later, the manager, at Frank's Place in New London. It was in this community setting where he thrived as a trailblazer, organizing many fundraisers throughout Southeastern Connecticut, including the Annual "Celebration" with the Alliance for Living as well as the "Loves Makes a Family" marriage equality organization, hosting "Eat Drink and Be Married," a dine-around fund raiser. Rick's infectious smile and easy banter from behind the bar brought all people together, no matter who they were. The community celebrated softball victories, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries with Rick as well as somber moments and heartbreaking losses. Through it all, Ricky was there. With just one kind word or light touch to your shoulder, Rick made sure to let you know all was going to be okay. When Frank's Place closed, Rick had the opportunity to begin a new phase in his professional life as a customer representative for People's Bank. There's no counting the number of customers lives he touched during his many years at the Waterford Stop & Shop branch of the bank. He later transferred to the West Main Street branch in Norwich, where he was the sales and service supervisor until his passing.

One passion of Rick's that cannot be overlooked was his love of baking. He created masterpieces: cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes. He would make any flavor you could dream up, carefully perfecting and decorating each piece, then delivering each creation with a smile. He often chose baking to support and love all who knew him, donating his "Love Bites" to cheer people up or as a delicious dessert for many fund raisers, including outCT through the years. "Love-Bites" by Ricky Martin will surely be missed by all those who ever took a bite of his decadent desserts!

In addition to his husband, Stephen Taylor, Rick is survived by his mother Dora McDonald (Phil); his beloved sister and caregiver, Kristina Roberge (Jim) and her daughter Hope Bousquet (Erica) and son Richard Crandall; his brother Ray Chambers (Debbie); and his sister Dawn. Also left behind to grieve his loss are his uncles, Dennis Lavallee (Jennifer) and Donald Lavallee; aunt Lorraine Lavallee; nephews, Craig Chapman (Lindalee), Tony Young (Indie) and Kevin Curtis (Elaina); and nieces, Mandy Curtis and Bonnie Chambers; as well as many great-nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father Vance Martin (1979); and his sister Robbie Koncinski (2017); Rick also had his tribe, his peeps, who were intertwined with his family throughout his life - Diane Pontious (Janine), Dina Lopes, Jeffrey Scott, Dave DeSimone (Matty), Kyle Wininger (Malia) and Taylor and Dylan Wininger-Sieve, Michelle Ramos (Danielle) and Mia and Elias Ramos, Jennifer Booker and Laurie Eng.

A celebration of Ricky's life will be held at the Ocean Beach Park Ballroom from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. If you plan on attending, please wear his favorite color yellow and bring your dancing shoes! Rick wanted a "Party!" . . . and PARTY is what he will have! In true Ricky Martin fashion, since he did not like flowers, he asked that you not send them! Instead, please consider a donation in his name to Sullivan's Toy Run, 11 Louis Ave., Ledyard, CT 06339.

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie – "Steel Magnolias"