About richard "ricky" gauthier

Richard A. Gauthier, 37, of Raleigh, NC unexpectedly and tragically passed away on November 30, 2020 at home due to complications from a heart procedure.

Born April 20, 1983 in Poughkeepsie, NY, Richard was always a big boy, weighing 7lbs and 14oz and over 21 inches tall.  He was baptized Catholic with his Godparents by his side; Margaret Thomas (aunt) and Emmanuel aka Sabatien Gauthier (uncle). 

Even as an infant Richard, affectionately called Ricky by family and Richard or Rich by his friends, possessed a strong will. When he was just 10 and half months old, he experienced a high temperature that caused a life-threatening cerebral convulsion, but Ricky held on in ICU for 3.5 days.

Despite these early health concerns, Ricky flourished and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where he received his first communion. While at St. Mary's Ricky tested as a child genius at five years old and was enrolled in an afterschool program for gifted students. 

Throughout his elementary school years, he often took things apart and put them back together analysing how and why they worked the way they did. 

At the age of 16, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was often misunderstood by those around him. Living with the general stigma against this mental health condition was daunting at times. But Ricky was relentless in advocating for his needs and surrounded himself with family and friends who loved the fiercely loyal human he was. 

Ricky was a creature of habit, consistent with taking his medications and focused on developing a career for himself. He continued his studies and received his GED in May 2002.  Ricky then furthered his education at ITT technical school.

After his formal education Ricky continued to be a tinkerer. From customizing cars, to sketching, Ricky was a gifted artist, avid reader, lover of music, mathematician, constant writer and thinker who enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the beach.

On July 31, 2020 Ricky’s life changed irrevocably. His mother Mireille rushed him to the emergency room for what was later determined to be an infection causing sepsis and his organs to shut down. To address this medical crisis Ricky ultimately had one heart valve replaced, received a pacemaker and was on the road to recovery.  But, on November 30th, the world stopped. Mireille returned home only to find Ricky unresponsive in his room. She called Michael (Ricky's step-father) for assistance and began performing chest compressions until EMS arrived. Despite these life saving efforts, Ricky did succumb to his injuries.

Environmentally conscious and considerate, Ricky was an entrepreneur who enjoyed the outdoors. He once aimed to own land so that he could farm, own a greenhouse, and recently purchased hardware and supplies to start a car detailing business.

Ricky stood tall at 6’2 and had a unique style.  He saw and experienced the world differently. He was a beautifully complex human who moved with kindness, honesty, and humility. He would do anything for a stranger or friend or family. 

He was an anomaly. 

His presence, humor, incessant text messages and rhythmless dance moves will be sorely missed. 

Richard is survived by his parents; Mireille Lue Chung Minor (Michael Minor), Richard G. Gauthier, maternal grandmother, Leonne Deer, sisters, Kathleen Gauthier (sons Nicolas C. Miller, Joshua C. Miller, Noah C. Miller),  Rachelle Gauthier (daughter Mia L. Henderson); a blended family of sisters; Ca’lita Virgil (Alec Virgil),  Taisha Minor (Jermaine Williams), daughters J’Yaunna N. Allen, Londyn R. Williams, and son Phoenix Williams. 

Ricky was loved by his Uncles & Aunts Daniel Lue Chung (RIP), Gary Lue Chung (Madlyn), Margaret Lue ChungThomas (Wilhem RIP) Carl Lue Chung (Margaret), Marcia Lue-Chung Herbert (James Herbert), Sabastien Gauthier (Marjorie), Eddie Gauthier (Therese), Daniella Mastroti (Michel RIP), Eva Gauthier, cousins, Daniel Lue Chung (+ 2 great cousins), Gary Lue Chung (RIP), Alain Lefranc, Tamara Lefranc (+ 2 great cousins), Wilhem Thomas (+ 1 great cousin), Christina Lue Chung (+ 1 great cousin), Ydde Gauthier  (+ 9 great cousins), Gregory Gauthier, Donald Mastroti (RIP), Jacques Gauthier, Angelo Gauthier (+ 2 great cousins) Sabastien Gauthier I, Sabastien Gauthier II, Sabrina Gauthier, Melissa Bianca Gauthier, Brian Gauthier, Garyck Lue Chung, Giscard Lue Chung and countless other family members. Maria Oquendo & children & great cousins, James Galarza (RIP), Denise Jean Leon & cousins and many more family members.

Ricky was also loved by friends who have supported and cared for him throughout his life including Amanda Gonzalez, Kia Derello, Stacy Boggs, Rools Deslouches, Mireille Bellamy,  Felicity Gaunt, Jason “Jay” John and many more. 

Ricky was also loved by friends who have supported and cared for him throughout his life including Amanda Gonzalez, Stacy Boggs, Rools Deslouches, Mireille Bellamy,  Felicity Gaunt, Jason “Jay” John and many more. 

Richard A. Gauthier, you will never fade or die from our minds and hearts.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

• National Alliance of Mental Illness 
• Second Chances Farm