Richard V. DeSanctis Jr

Richard Victor DeSanctis Jr., 44, of Baldwin, New York, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1980 to Richard DeSanctis Sr. and Jean Murrell, he was affectionately known as Ricky in his childhood, and later as Rich, Rick, or Richard to others. As a child, Ricky excelled in school and enjoyed growing up in the Hudson Valley area. He often reminisced about the joyful memories spent in Newburg with his nana and great aunt, and the special times with his grandparents in Rhinebeck. His sister and cousins were constant companions in these cherished adventures, creating lasting memories that defined his early years. His family moved to Cary, North Carolina in 1994, where he attended Apex High School where he would form many friendships, bonds, and articulate his dreams for the future. He played football, participated in Track and Field, and had a unrelenting curiosity and interest in the arts- books, music, history, and films - from classic cinema to the latest independent movies. His class presentations were always a clever, memorable blend of charisma, humor and insight, a talent he would use in nearly every opportunity in his life to great effect. He quickly became a sort of everyman, a “Ferris Bueller” like character who effortlessly cultivated friendships and acquaintances across a wide set of groups and clubs - the DECA business and marketing group, theater, sports, the smart kids, the outcasts, the good ole boys, and many more. Just like in that film - “Everyone loves him, he’s a righteous dude.” He could slip easily between conversations and banter in the courtyard on any given morning or afternoon: One minute, breaking down the works of Ernest Hemingway and Robert Service, then talking up the dominant roster of the Joe Torre era New York Yankees, then regaling friends with his assessment of the latest exploits of wrestlers Hunter Hurst Helmsley and Rey Mysterio on Monday Night RAW. He had great social sense, and knew the good spots to get a quick off campus lunch or take a break (he was beloved by the Apex Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits drive thru lady Ms. Sue - who he always greeted by name when he submitted his signature order: 'Chicken biscuit filet combo, french fries and free ice tea"). It was during his time at Apex where he got to know his good friends Marc, Audrey, Steven Maye, Anna, Mashaal, David - and many more. By the time senior year rolled around, Rich’s unique presence in life manifested in many memorable ways people still remember - from reciting the George C. Scott “Patton” monologue in his AP history class and regaling his teacher with Frank Sinatra songs, to the undeniable low rumbling sound of his beloved 1984 Baby Blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme when it pulled up to go on yet another crate digging journey for old cool jazz records or trip out to the edges of Wake County, the Char Grill, the Walnut Creek Concert Pavilion or just another late night diversion to the Waffle House to get some jet black coffee and plot world domination. Graduating from Apex High in 1998, Richard elected to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He studied Political Science and international studies, all while working various side jobs along the way (to include a stint as a taxi driver), and endearing himself to yet another group of educators and mentors. A jack of many trades, he could help his friends change their oil or tweak spark plugs, tell them how they were messing up their various relationships and how to fix them, and then head to class and dissect the finer points of international law as they apply to war and conflict with relative ease (many a time he was told he would be a phenomenal attorney or politician by a professor). He gave as good as he got - he loved good debates and spirited arguments, but would always end it with an embrace and a “you know I love you, baby.” In hindsight, nearly everyone would admit he was right about it all. In May 2002, he graduated with honors and decided there was only one place to go: back to his homeland, the Empire State. Though friends/family went various separate ways, he always was keen to keep in touch in his own special way - usually a rather extended telephone call where he’d mix life updates with advice and tidbits of wisdom that aged very well. New York City was Rich’s oyster, and he excelled with his combination of charisma and business instincts. He was an accomplished professional and cherished friend by many. In his professional life, he was known for always being a dedicated and hard worker which led him to achieve the position of Chief Compliance Officer for Marsh McClennan Agency, a leading insurance firm. But more importantly Richard's kind and generous demeanor was well known by everyone he met. His unique ability to make long-lasting friendships with people from all walks of life was what made Rich beloved by some many. He always found a way to connect with others on a deeper level. This was only surpassed by his immense generosity. Whether it be a casual hang out, special event, or major life milestone - Rich was undoubtedly the most thoughtful friend in helping to make an unforgettable memory. In 2012, Rich married Jameka, the love of his life, whom he met while working at AIG on Wall Street. Together, they welcomed their son, Nathanial Tulio DeSanctis, in 2019. Rich was a doting husband and dedicated father. He loved his family beyond words and always expressed that through telling anyone who would listen, stories or new adventures he was taking with his family. So much so, that his wife would tell him to “stop telling our business”, to which he totally ignored. His vibrant personality continues to shine through his son, his little “pepper pot” as he affectionately called him. An avid traveler, sports enthusiast, and connoisseur of perfectly aged scotch, Rich loved grilling and hosting family gatherings. Most recently, he took great joy in captaining his boat, “Aye Natey,” off his personal dock, creating cherished memories with all who came aboard. Rich’s larger-than-life presence and ability to make people laugh will be deeply missed. He was a friend to all, always giving selflessly and brightening any room he entered. His memory will forever live in the hearts of those he loved and who were touched by his spirit. Richard is survived by his wife Jameka DeSanctis, his son Nathaniel DeSanctis, his mother Jean Murell (stepfather – Jim Murell), his father Richard DeSanctis Sr. (stepmother – Nancy DeSanctis), his sister Sarah Scofield (husband – Eric Scofield), his sister in laws Cherita Vickers (husband – Arcell Vickers), Robin Harris and Nykiya Harris, his brother in laws Jwyanza Harris (wife – Sharon Harris) and Jody Baines (wife – Wendy Baines) his goddaughters Serenity Huggins and Kortney Henderson, his godson Damian Scott and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation and Prayer Service will be held on September 12th from 6:00-9:00 PM EST at Hungerford & Clarke Funeral Home, 110 Pine St., Freeport, NY. Burial will take place on September 13th at 11:00 AM EST at Greenfield Cemetery, 650 Nassau Rd., Uniondale, NY.

Richard V. DeSanctis Jr

March 2, 1980 - September 1, 2024