Richard M. "Rich" Figurido
March 20, 1971 ~ March 30, 2023
DANVERS-Richard "Rich" Manuel Figurido, 52, passed away on March 30, 2023, surrounded by loving family and friends, leaving behind a trail of laughter, joy, and inspiration. Born on March 20, 1971 to Jo-Ann (Fortado) Figurido and the late Bruce Figurido, Rich was a talented carpenter by trade, but his passion lay in performing for a crowd.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Figurido, and his children, Justin Figurido, Joely Figurido, and Emerson Figurido. He is also survived by his mother, Jo-Ann Figurido, his brother Bruce Figurido and his wife Maria, his niece and nephew Isabella and Bruce Figurido, his father and mother-in-law Eric and Catherine Emerson, sisters-in-law, Lauren Lamoly and Riley Mercier, his close friends Wayne Moda and Jeffery Fraser, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rich also leaves behind a wonderful co-parent to Justin, Kathleen Figurido and co-parent to Joely, Donna Anastasi. He was predeceased by his father, Bruce Figurido, his brother Jonathan Figurido, his cousin J.J. Nicastro, his paternal grandparents Richard M. and Winifred N. (Parker) Figurido, his maternal grandmother, Vincie (Orlando) Fortado and close friend Peter DiStefano.
Rich was a man of many talents, but his greatest gift was his voice. He was a natural vocal talent and lit up the stage whenever he performed. Fans flocked to see him play, and even those who stumbled upon his shows were left in awe of his raw energy and charisma. He was the whole package - good looks, talent, confidence, and drive - and he touched the lives of tens of thousands through music.
But more than that, Rich was a great person and a friend to many. He always went the extra mile, both in his work as a carpenter and in his relationships. He was compassionate, loving, and always made time to listen and talk to people. Even in the hospital, he would ask about the nurses' day and make them feel seen and heard. His infectious personality drew people to him, and his generosity knew no bounds. He went the extra mile and would do carpentry jobs for gratis for some, just because that was the type of guy he was.
Rich was most proud to be the father of his children - Justin, Joely, and Emmy. He loved them deeply and cherished every moment he spent with them. He was so excited to marry Sarah, his wife, in his last weeks, and was so grateful to her for sticking by him through his illness. He knew he wouldn't have made it this far without her. Over their 11 year relationship, they shared not just a partnership, but a true friendship and love of laughter, music, and the beach.
As a musician and a friend, Rich was a force of nature. He played thousands of shows over his lifetime, and Rich's philosophy of putting passion before the plan was something that inspired his friends and gave them confidence in their own abilities. Rich wanted others to be their best selves in musicianship, and helped his friends grow— he gave them the courage and space to become better performers.
Rich loved children and was always eager to help them. He volunteered his time to make a difference in their lives, and he cherished the children in his own family. He was an incredible father, and the way he lit up when he talked about his kids was a testament to the depth of his love for them.
During his last days while facing his mortality, Rich was still cracking jokes with his quick wit. He always wanted to make people laugh because that was who he was - an entertainer. Although his passing is a great loss to his family, friends, and fans, his legacy will live on in the memories he created and the joy he brought to the world. Rest in peace, Rich - the world is a little less bright without you, but we will always remember the light you brought into our lives.
A celebration of life will be held in Rich’s honor on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 4-8PM with a brief service at 6PM at the Danversport Yacht Club in the Harborview Ballroom, 161 Elliott St, Danvers. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rich’s name to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at https://tinyurl.com/MGHCancer. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com
When Richie was growing up he couldn’t say Auntie Bette so he called me Auntie Debette. Ever so often as a grown man, he would also call me that. I treasured it then and I’ll treasure it forever. Words can’t express how much I’m going to miss you. I love you so much. ❤️
Kimberly Sylvester sent a virtual gift in memory of Richard Figurido
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Figurido family. With love, Carol and Steve Figurido
It was 2016 and I was told that this Bon Jovi coverband was going to be playing. I thought I’d check them out. Someone I knew had told them I was coming to see the band. And that I was a huge Bon Jovi fan/expert. I was rather impressed and went over to talk with them. Attached is the first picture with Rich and Wayne. Instantly, I loved them. They were so sweet and fun. I ended up becoming friends with them and over the years we built a great friendship. Then in 2019, it was the best year. They came and toured so close to where I lived, I saw them 15 times that year. It was in that tour that Rich and I got more time to talk. He told me the first show I came to he was so nervous about singing in front of me, because of the big fan I was. We just laughed about it.
As we go through life, you meet so many people in it. Some stay and some just pass through. Rich was one of the people who would stay in your life. He was genuinely concerned and nice to everyone. He would reach out to me to see how I was doing, when he knew I was going through issues. He knew I battled depression. He was the first person to congratulate me on meeting Jon Bon Jovi. He knew the story behind my love for Bon Jovi and would always dedicate Keep the Faith to me. He even got the band to learn a special song, that they never played before for me. Why? Because I asked them to sing it. He was a true friend. You truly don’t meet people like him in this world. I am so saddened by his passing. It has hit me extremely hard. I will cherish all the fun times, laughs and memories we made over the years. I’m so grateful to have had him as a friend. I’m trying to be thankful for the short friendship I had with him. And that I got to know him. But I feel cheated that he was taken way too soon. All I can think is, maybe God needed him more. Rest easy Rich. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the joy you brought to me every time you hit that stage. And for your friendship. I will cherish those memories forever. Love you 💜
We first met Rich when he played a show in Norfolk, CT. My son Nathaniel fell in love with the band so I tried to take him as much as I could over the years. Rich will be greatly missed.
Beautiful man with a memorable spirit you indeed will be missed by All who experienced your infectious smile & talent my love & prayers to your family & friends.
Awesome person and singer-RIP
I meant Rich and the gang many years ago when his band Slyboyz were just starting out at there rehearsal space in Medford.
We maintained our relationship throughout the years, he would always be there for anyone that needed it. His talents were second to none.. He always wanted to be up front on stage, I remember helping set up his drumset sideways so all could see, then his true musicianship came out as a lead vocalist.. wow, just wow.. he was truly amazing and his talents were effortless.. Rich you will be deeply missed by all,
we love you.. ❤️
RIP my friend 🙏
I met Rich back in the late 80s early 90’s during the hair metal days, he was a genuinely nice person then, and became a real friend over the course of 30 years, we have lost a beacon of light in dark world, rest well my old friend
Rich was a fantastic musician and all around wonderful person. He is gone but will never be forgotten❤️🤘🏼❤️
We love you Rich. Thank you for being so kind to me and our group of friends. We will forever have a piece of us lost, but will always keep you in our hearts ❤️. (First annual Friendsgiving 2016)
We were lucky enough to see Rich perform twice. His energy and personality not to mention his talent left us in awe.
Glad we went to see you guys a few times. I will say his show is the only one I’ve ever Got up and danced like no one was watching. Fantastic show. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayer to his family and friends.
Your infectious smile and awesome voice will live forever in all who know you. Rest in Paradise Rich
🎼❤️🎼
I was lucky to have Rich as a friend in High School. Our bands often played shows together especially if it was at Woodman’s or any other hall that we could rent. Two decades later, Rich and I formed Rusted Orange. Rich was a hard worker and a great musician that I admired, and he always pushed us to get better. Rich was the happiest when we were playing gigs and booked everything he could for us from coffee houses, martini bars and even opening for Megadeath in Salem Willows. It was an honor to have played with Rich and to have him as a friend. He will be greatly missed.
Bands for Badges will never be the same without you Rich Cape Cod will miss your vibrant smile and infectious love you gave to all RIP you amazing soul I guess God needed you more my heart goes out to your family and all that we’re blessed with your presence
Rich was such an amazing friend, musical partner in Fuse Duo, and like a brother to my late husband, Peter DiStefano. I can still see and hear them laughing together, singing together and just enjoying each other. Rich sure knew how to light up a room and he lived life in the moment. Shine on my friend. You will be forever missed and forever remembered for the love and light you gave us all.
I had the honor of watching Rich perform. Fabulous! Also a very nice person that was never in a hurry and gave me the time of day. Very caring. I will miss seeing him on stage. He had it all.
My sincere sympathy goes out to Jo Ann and her entire family at this very sad time. I’m so very sorry and am sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
Barbie Hazen lit a candle in memory of Richard Figurido
I am so sorry to hear that Rich has passed. I saw him play so many times in my 20s. While I didn’t know him well, people I was very close to did and they always talked about what a wonderful person he was. Sending my deepest sympathies to his family.
Susan Schaeffer lit a candle in memory of Richard Figurido
Rich had it all. Condolences to his family and may he rest in heavenly peace.
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Rich. He was so talented. I attended several Slyboyz and Mixed Nuts shows, great times! Extremely sad.
God Bless You Rich. The stars in the heaven are shining brighter at night ✨You will be missed .
💔💔
Sending all of my love from New Orleans to Joann and everyone who loved Richie. It’s such a great loss, we’ll all make sure his memory lives on. He will never be forgotten.