Obituary of Richard C. Raico

Richard C. Raico passed away September 21, 2019 in Olympia, Washington, his home of 31 years.  He was born December 30, 1946 to Angelo C. and Lucille (Losch) Raico in New York City, New York. He also lived in Tacoma, Washington for 41 years.

Rich graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma.  He worked for the Washington State Department of Licensing, Washington State Liquor Control Board MIW Division (30 years), Pierce County Park Police, Welks Floral, and Capitol City Press. 

He married Paulette K. Weeks on March 24, 1988 at the Thurston County Courthouse.  He was a member of Life Center in Tacoma.

Rich was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, "Big Poppa," cousin, and friend to many.  He led a simple, good life focused on his faith, family, friends and his faithful Yorkie companion, Oliver.

He was a BIG home town sports fan and Yankee fan.  His love for sports, his sons and other youth led him to coach baseball, basketball and soccer until his boys entered junior high. The youth he coached often shared that Rich was a huge influence in their lives growing up.

Rich was extremely proud of his Italian heritage, which often was shared in the specialty dishes he loved to create.  He also loved a good whiskey.

He was an amazing and gifted man who knew his way around a kitchen and BBQ. He was a creative cook who loved to share his love for food with others. Family dinner and holiday celebrations were masterpieces because of his special gift.

Rich enjoyed traveling to seaside resorts, golf, casinos, fishing, horse racing, watching sports, documentaries, reading different newspapers and being with his loving wife, Polly, especially on Saturday night date night.

He took great pride and joy in caring for his yard and small garden. He definitely had a green thumb!

Rich was a very dedicated and supportive son to his mother and other family members. He was always very generous with his time and other resources. Truly a great provider.

One of Rich's greatest qualities is that with Rich, you never had to guess what he was thinking.  What you see is what you get!

God Bless our sweet Rich, a very loving man who will be missed by many.

He leaves behind his wife, Paulette “Polly” Raico of Olympia; son, Christopher Scott Raico; grandsons, Marcus Williams and Lucas R. Raico; mother, Lucille Francis Raico of Gig Harbor; sister, Mary Ellen Poe of  Gig Harbor; and brothers-in-law, Bob Poe of Gig Harbor, and Mark Weeks (wife, Gabi) of Toledo, Washington.  He is predeceased by his father, Angelo Charles Raico; and son, Craig Charles Raico.

Private family gathering.

 

NO FLOWERS PLEASE.

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