"There is not much more I can say about the passing of such a great person. I've read all the postings and they truly summarize everything good about Rich. I've known him since he was born in NYC and remember the various stages of his life. Always a positive and loving soul. He was a great kid that emerged into a great adult. A grand and happy dad who loved his daughters and family dearly. The world needs more people like him. Perhaps God needed him to join his Army of Good and help spread more love, happiness and peace. Rich, say hello to your dad for me. I miss both of them dearly."
In loving memory of
Richard Phillip Badillo
February 27, 1967 - January 8, 2019
Richard "Rich" Phillip Badillo left us too soon to be with his father, and Heavenly Father, on Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 in the comfort of his home in Powell, TN.
Born on February 27th, 1967, in New York, NY to Felix and Liana Badillo, he was the oldest of two children and moved to South Tampa as a child. Rich was well liked by all who knew him and graduated in 1984 from Plant High School, where he proudly played as linebacker for the Plant Panthers. He continued his education later on by receiving his Bachelor of Science and spent most of his career as Manager of Billing Operations at Team Health in Knoxville, TN.
Rich leaves behind two daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Rachel Badillo, his mother, Liana Badillo, his brother, Edward Badillo, and many friends who he cared for and loved deeply. He enjoyed spending time sharing his love for music, movies, sports and all things 80's with family and friends. His kind heart and goofy humor will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
There will be a memorial service held in Tennessee in his honor at his home at 8511 Childress Drive in Powell, TN on Sunday, January 27th from 1-4pm. There will be another for his friends and family in Tampa on February 10th as well. All are welcome to come by and pay their respects.
Rich left this world unexpectedly, and much too soon. And while we may all grieve for this amazing father, son and friend, we know he would say to us if he could, "Don't Stop Believing, hold onto that feeling."
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Badillo family and invites you to view and sign the online registry below.
Tributes
"Rich was an amazing man with a big heart. I He is definitely missed. Sending prayers to his beloved family. May God provide you comfort during your grief and laughter during your memories. He was such a fun loving man."
"Words cannot express the sadness that I?m feeling. I always looked up to you my cousin, Rich. You were was so cool. I was fortunate to spend time with him when he came to visit a few years ago. We were able to chat and reminisce. I can only find peace knowing that he is up in heaven with my Uncle Felix, who I think of often and miss. I know how much you loved your girls and how they adored you. Rest In Peace my cousin. xo Marisa Venuto"
"There is not much more I can say about the passing of such a great person. I've read all the postings and they truly summarize everything good about Rich. I've known him since he was born in NYC and remember the various stages of his life. Always a positive and loving soul. He was a great kid that emerged into a great adult. A grand and happy dad who loved his daughters and family dearly. The world needs more people like him. Perhaps God needed him to join his Army of Good and help spread more love, happiness and peace. Rich, say hello to your dad for me. I miss both of them dearly."
"I am still in complete shock about the passing of such a wonderful person Rich was, he was always such a fun positive person to be around. This kind gentle man would do anything in the world for you no matter what. Always had a huge smile on his face and very pleasant to be around. He will be forever loved and missed greatly. My prayers and thoughts are with your beautiful family."
"I?m so sorry for your great loss. Rich was an exceptionally sweet and caring person who was the type of friend and father every man should aspire to be. His gentle spirit lives on in his remarkable daughters. May god wrap his arms around you so that you always feel your father?s warmth and love."
"I am so saddened to hear of Rich?s passing. He was an amazing man. So funny, kind, and sure did love his daughters. He was a great friend to all. I pray for his family and for them to have comfort in the days and even years to come. I was blessed to know Rich. Much love and prayers. ??"
"Our dear sweet nephew,Richard, it?s so difficult to accept that he is gone. Nelson and I have such wonderful memories of Rich. Of course Nelson?s memories go back a lot further than mine. He always enjoyed babysitting Rich before they moved to Puerto Rico. Nelson made a trip with his mother to visit Felix, Liana and family while they lived there. We both have fond memories of visiting in Florida when Rich and his family moved there. More recently we had the pleasure of visiting Rich in Tennessee. He graciously took off from work to spend time with us while we were there. We did sightseeing, had great food, got to see his brand new house that he was so proud of! We got to spend some time with Emmy as well which was wonderful.It was a trip Nelson and I were so glad we made. Richard was always in touch either through Facebook or text. He was a caring, loving individual who will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace our dear nephew. You left us much too soon but you will live in our hearts forever. Your Uncle Nelson and Aunt Margaret"
"Both Lydia and I have known Richard since he was born in NYC.I had the honor of being his godmother and auntie and Lydia his auntie. Rich was a dear nephew with the best personality ever. Our lovable nephew left this world much too soon. We will find comfort knowing he will be with his dear Dad up in heaven. We will miss you dearly Richard. Rest in Peace. Your loving Aunties Edie and Lydia"
"Miss you buddy. You were a great guy always enjoying life and all it had to offer. You are missed my friend. See you again..."
"Im praying for the family and friends. Im in such shock right now. He was always a wonderful father and always went over and beyond. Im ap sorry for your loss?"
"My handsome, sweet cousin. I will always remember us playing as kids in Tampa.. ?? I imagine that you are with your loving dad and best friend (my uncle Felix) and my dad, (your uncle Ralph). I can only hope that my dad is telling funny jokes to you both :) ?? Love you -z"
"Rich will truly be missed by us all at Team Health! He always made us have a good laugh and a smile. My heart goes out to his family."
"I first met Rich playing softball on the company team he organized. We struggled mightily each week to get enough players to show up, and we didn't win very often, but Rich was always so positive that next week would be better. He made me feel like I was one of the most vital members of the team, even though I was by far the oldest guy out there, couldn't hit, couldn't throw, and couldn't run. I guess that was just Rich's good heart showing through. I'll never forget Rich doing that silly "bucket of ice water over his own head" challenge that was circulating on Facebook for a while. I was praying he would not challenge me to do it! Now I pray for his family to find peace. I'm gonna miss you, Rich!"
"We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Mike and Tammy Crevier"
"My dear cousin Rich, I didnt get to grow up with you but was so appreciative of the love and support you gave me and my family when my dad, your Uncle was passing away. You hugged me and it gave me the strength I needed to get through. Then I had the pleasure of getting to know you. I am proud to call you my family, you were such a great Dad and son to My Aunt Liana. Taken way too soon but I know you're playing ball in heaven with my dad Mike, your dad and our Uncle Felix and havin a brewski! RIP cousin...until we meet again. You are missed. Love your cousin Denise xoxoxoxo...."
"There is no words to describe what a great person Rich was. I loved working with him throughout the years, I could always depend on him no help and offer assistance. He was so very proud of his daughters, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. He will definitely be missed."
"I was so shocked to hear of Rich?s unexpected passing. He was a jokester at times but was always professional whenever I called with a problem at work. I never got the chance to work closely with him as I feel I would have learned a lot from him. My family and I extend our condolences to Rich?s daughters and family. Rest In Peace Rich until we meet again."
"I will truly miss seeing Rich in the office. He was such a kind soul and one of the sweetest men I have ever known. It didn't matter when I saw him, he always said hello. And he always, always held the door open for me. That might be the one thing I remember most about him! My heart aches for his beautiful daughters, whom I know he loved deeply. My condolences to his family."
"Emmy and Rachel, you were the absolute LIGHT of your dad's life!!! He was so proud of both of you and spoke of you often. I lost my mom this year and then one of my employees, and now your dad who was a very dear friend! His passing hit me especially hard because it was so unexpected. I've been struggling and fighting back tears on many occasions over the past several days. I am going to miss his smiling face and our friendly squabbles over which team was "better" ... the Mets or the Tampa Bay Rays. He would always rib me about HIS team :-) He was always the first one willing to reach out and lend a hand to his friends, no matter what the reason. If either of you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. It's important to me to know that you are both okay!! Rich, you will forever be in my heart ... such a sweet person with a HUGE heart!! Love and miss you, my friend!!!"
"RICh was a great friend. i will miss him"
"Rich?s passing was such a shock to all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to his daughters and family. ?"
"We all enjoyed working with Rich and he will be missed. I often would see him at the coffee pot and it seemed he always had something to share about his daughters. He was obviously so very proud of them and his love for them always showed. You are all in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time. May you be blessed and comforted by all of your wonderful memories. Your Dad was a very kind, funny, social, and outgoing person to whom we all had the pleasure to work with and call our friend. May he forever rest in peace."
"Deepest condolences to you and your family. What a shock he left so quickly. I will miss trying to beat him to work every morning behind that Camaro. Was a pleasure to be an acquaintance and I know he is very missed. Rest peacefully Rich. Blessings to his family."
"I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort provide your family with strength during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)"
"To Rich?s Family - No words can express the shock of hearing about Rich?s passing. He and I attended Plant High School together. I entered public school as a junior not knowing anyone. Rich sat behind me in homeroom. My mother, who was Rich?s guidance counselor, placed me in this homeroom. Typically, I would have been placed in a homeroom with students with a last name beginning with ?R?. Rich was the most kind and gentle soul. He was always welcoming, witty and warm. We kept in touch through Facebook. He was so sweet to me when he knew I was struggling with my mother who had Alzheimer?s. Always encouraging me and telling me that I am not alone and loved even though at times I was in a dark place. Rich was one of a kind, truly special. His words of encouragement meant the world to me. To Liana, you raised a beautiful son that was caring and looked after those that were down trodden. Just a beautiful soul. To his daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Rachel, I hope that you can find some comfort knowing that your father was well loved by everyone that knew him. He had wonderful lifelong friends. Rich, you will be missed, my friend. May you Rest In Peace in heaven until we see you again."