Richard Rainey

Richard “Rico” Rainey passed away peaceful on March 3, 2015 at the age of 66. He grew up in Bayside, Queens and attended St. Helena High School in the Bronx. Before beginning his career as a NYC Police Officer, Richard attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice. During his career, Richard was stationed in the 9th Precinct in Manhattan and ended his career in the 113 Precinct in Jamaica, Queens. Unfortunately his career was cut short in 1981 when he was shot multiple times without provocation, while doing his job. His partner succumbed to his injuries he received that day but Richard survived by the grace of God. Richard’s two brothers, Jack and Gerard were also NYC Policemen.

Richard was a “giant” of a man, both in character and stature and loved by all that knew him. Whether a longtime friend or recent acquaintance, all that encountered him discovered that and came away with the same impression. He was a great guy and a rare breed that would be hard to replicate. Rico was such a humble man that emanated truth, honesty with a touch of malarkey at times! During high school, Rico was an avid basketball player. He once recanted a story of when he competed against Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabar) who played for Power Memorial. True to his personality, he told the story in the Readers Digest version, explaining how he held Alcindor to only a few points by half time. During halftime, Jack Donoghue the coach of Power Memorial took Alcindor aside and gave him a pep talk. When the second half began Alcindor came out and scored over 30 points! Friends asked Rico what happened; he responded “I wasn’t even breathing the same air”! Enjoying his ability to hold his own yet admit when he observed someone else’s ability. Later on in life he was passionate about golfing, especially with his golf buddies, Kevin, Willy and the gang, playing the ponies, competing to correctly answer the final jeopardy question nightly and spending time with his family. Richard was the type that would answer your question in three words rather than five if he could, unless of course he had just had a few!

Richard is survived by his brother, Jack Rainey and four sisters, Elizabeth Gore, Ann Marie Hoffman, Margaret Hagan and Patricia Thomson. His parents, John and Grace Rainey, as well as his three brothers, Gerard, Thomas and William Rainey predeceased him.

Rico, or Uncle “O” as he was fondly known by many of his fourteen nieces and nephews, and twenty great nieces and nephews, will be missed terribly by all. This “gentle giant” of a man will leave a void in the hearts of many that knew him but we all take solace in the fact that he is now with the rest of the gang, and loving it. Love you dear brother and will miss you terribly.