Albert R. "Rick" Sansoucy

Born in Acushnet, Rick was the son of the late Albert Sansoucy and Viola (Cormier) Gaboriault. He attended the Elmer M. Poole School in Dartmouth and later studied at the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, where he nurtured his lifelong appreciation for the arts.

A man of remarkable creativity and talent, Rick had a gift for building—residential and commercial properties— throughout New England for over 60 years, having built his first home at the age of 18. His craftsmanship and attention to detail can be seen in everything from Cape Cod condos to hotel exteriors, movie sets, the Wamsutta Mill clock, and the decorative glasswork at Yale University.

Rick was also an entrepreneur, following in his father’s footsteps with the creation of Sansoucy’s Grinders, which were sold in local grocery stores. Inspired by the maritime history of New Bedford, he opened a gift shop called Captains Quarters, which he designed to resemble the inside of a ship.

Though he only finished 8th grade, Rick’s brilliance shone through in his ability to do complicated math on the fly as well as teaching vendors how to read complex multi-page architectural drawings. He lived for the details, how to make friends with all of his business contacts and solving their problems with his insight, experience and charm.

Rick’s identity was in the building and crafting all around him, but he lived more importantly for being an amazing husband, son, sibling, father, grandfather and friend. His family meant everything to him and he lived out his role as builder, fixer, rescuer, cook, corny joke maker, master griller and great neighbor.

His energy and positive attitude were infectious and his commitment to choosing joy daily was evident in everything he did.

Even when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer, multiple co-morbidities and COVID in 2021, it didn’t stop him. He faced each of his 7 surgeries with determination, zest for life and lifting the spirits of other patients and hospital staff. He surpassed his expected months by almost 4 years. And his faith in God is what gave him the strength that surprised even the doctors.

In addition to his professional accomplishments and cancer fighter, he found joy in creative expression from building birdhouses, crafting mangers, refinishing small furniture, selling yard sale items and singing karaoke every Friday night even while wearing his chemo pump.

Rick is survived by his loving daughters, Sharon L. Martin and her husband Roger of Natick, and Kristin J. Sansoucy of Dartmouth; his cherished grandchildren: Sydney Beaulieu and her husband Lucas of London, Haley Salamon and her husband Jacob of Fall River, Max Martin of Natick, and Sage Martin of Natick. He also leaves behind his former wife and first love, Charlotte Sylvia of Dartmouth; his companion Di, his brothers, Ronald Sansoucy of Fall River and Robert Sansoucy of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Dolores M. Martin.

His visitation will be held at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a memorial service starting at 5:00 PM. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward with random acts of kindness, a donation to Mass General Cancer Center or Bristol Aging and Wellness, and thanking the Lord for every moment here and in heaven.