Richard "Rick" Aquino

Richard “Rick” Aquino, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He found comfort in the serene view of the ocean and full moon and being surrounded by loved ones. He was 78 years old.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he grew up exploring the surrounding lakes and rivers, especially the Mississippi River. Proudly working on its barges, he referred to himself as a “river rat.” The river gave him a deep connection to the water and shaped his adventurous spirit and love for nature.

From an early age, Rick learned the values of hard work, resilience, and independence. His varied career included working on riverboats from Chicago to Memphis, contracting with IBM, and later founding a successful software and computer contracting company. He was admired for his work ethic and ability to excel in every endeavor.

Rick spent much of his adult life in the greater Charlotte area, where he raised his family with love and dedication. Upon retiring, he moved to his home in North Myrtle Beach and later embarked on what he described as his greatest adventure: traveling the country in his motorhome, exploring countless roads, and savoring the beauty of the nation. In recent years, he found peace and joy at his cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Graham County, North Carolina, where he treasured time with his family.

Rick’s interests reflected his rich life experiences. A lifelong NASCAR fan, he once worked on pit crews for Saturday races. He loved fishing and was always drawn to the water—whether along the Mississippi River or the Carolina shores. Rick had a passion for mechanics and a fascination with aviation, once aspiring to become a pilot, and in his youth, he proudly competed in trampoline gymnastics. He enjoyed country and blues and was a lifelong Disney fan, which often accompanied many of his most cherished moments. Those who knew Rick will remember his steady compassion, quiet kindness, and unwavering love for family and friends.

Rick once remarked, “If they were to write my biography, it would be a best seller.” He truly lived life to the fullest, embracing adventure and appreciating its simple joys.

Rick was preceded in death by his first wife, Tonda Glenham Aquino, and his second wife, Bobbi Bremer Aquino. He is survived by his beloved children: Brian Bremer (and his husband, Jeffrey Umberger), Kim Aquino, Joe Bremer, and Kristen Aquino (and her husband, William Osborn), all of whom he cherished deeply. Among his greatest joys was the special bond he shared with his grandson, Milo Osborn, and being a proud grandfather to Brian Bremer Jr. and Owen Bremer. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip Aquino, numerous cousins, and a vast scope of extended family and friends from the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, and beyond. He will be dearly missed by his longtime best friend and companion, Tina Anderson, who shared in his adventures and lovingly supported him alongside his family during his final days.

Rick never met a stranger, and a celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m., at Lee Funeral Home in Little River, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the YMCA of Western North Carolina in his honor.