He was born and raised in Brooklyn,
I can still hear him clearly
In his native tongue and accent so true,
The good friend in Richie that we all knew.
Now Richie, an employee for the USDA, a protector of food,
His manner quite loud and quite brash,
But never bragged, would do his job really well,
He’d gladly help you out in a flash whenever he could.
He was in training at FLETC, when 9/11 happened,
All the airlines grounded at the time,
No one knew what to do,
It took Richie many days,
But he managed to get home and made it through.
Now Richie has gone to meet his maker today,
So now we all bid you adieu,
Friends all quite sad and quite blue.
But nice memories of him, and how we knew him way back then,
It’s been an honor to have known you my friend.
Until we see you again, Richie!
Bob Collazo, 01/12/21
