Richard B. Britt

He left behind a hell of a mess at the house for Jacqueline, Kaylan and Jason to sift through. Always a pack rat, if you’re looking for a gigantic random assortment of items from the best Publishers Clearing House scotch tape ever or AS SEEN ON TV flashlights to 80’s windbreakers and Hummel plates, WE GOT YOU. A box TV, possibly 25 years old, is the starting bid.

This is not actually an ad for a garage sale, but an obituary for a Man & Father, that was a bad ass from Boston that did nothing half-assed.

Whether good times or bad, he was the epitome of LIVING. Until he wasn’t.

Born on October 22 in Weymouth, MA to Frances D. (Stefanik) Britt & Gerard P. Britt, Ricky as he was affectionately known by those that he loved and loved him, was from a young age a force to be reckoned with. He never held back his opinion and had a knack for telling it like it is, whether you liked it or not. He loved four letter words as much as he loved his kids. And that’s a lot. He raised his kids saying, “Do not ever lie to me. I don’t care if you’ve killed someone, I’ll help you hide the body. Just don’t lie to me.” They still lied about everything because they were scared of him after that.

Possibly the most stubborn and hard-headed person on planet Earth, he’s giving them absolute hell wherever he is now…. And he probably still can’t find his drink while his food burns to a crisp in the toaster oven.

Not once in his 70 years did he have internet or a smart phone but read the newspaper delivered to his door cover to cover daily. He would frequently call his oldest daughter to ask if she’d, “seen the news today?” She had to tell him every time that she saw it online the previous day or even the day before that. That pissed him off and yet he still refused technology.

After moving to Naples, FL in the early 90’s because his ex-wife forced him to, he never wanted to leave. Well, unless it was to go to Vegas. He didn’t even attend his only grandson’s high school graduation because… well, it wasn’t in Vegas.

Ricky was a dedicated father and there for his four kids through thick and thin. No matter what. Especially Jason his youngest. Their relationship transcended the typical father-son to life-long best friends.

One of the most giving people on the planet, he would tip 40% without a thought and give a stranger on the roadside a ride. He would buy groceries for someone if they needed it without being asked. He once gave a homeless man the shirt off his back and drove home half-naked much to the dismay of his kids.

The king of 2-for-1 grocery ad deals never met a Chinese buffet he didn’t love and was the Punka breakfast king. He owned just 4 cars in his life, paying them off immediately and driving them until the doors fell off. He only believed in providing for his children and a life of excess would never have accomplished that.

He is survived by his brother Thomas E. Britt of Quincy, MA, his daughters Jacqueline Herrera (Kitty Girl), of Houston, TX and Kaylan Britt (Peanut), of Naples; Sons Richard Britt Jr., of Sacramento, CA and Jason Britt, of Naples, Wuppy and Brady, of Naples and his only grandchild Andrew Herrera of Houston, TX.

He will be especially missed something fierce by his son and partner in crime, (literally & figuratively,) Jason. Living together for many, many years the house is now silent and Jason wishes he could hear him yelling from the living room one more time.

He will not be missed by his ex-wife and mother of his children Leah Britt, of Estero. He married her in 1976 and somehow tolerated her until 1996. Or her him. Who really knows.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fran and Gerard and brother Gerard Jr.

Rick’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be no service or celebration of life as he made it clear that he “hates that shit.” So in closing, ashes to ashes dust to dust, say goodbye to this riddle wrapped up in an enigma we must. We love you, you crazy SOB.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Britt family.