Rick left our arms into his mother’s (Violet) arms on her birthday, March 14, 2023. He was 63.
Together, along with his father, Robert Arthur and brother Robert David, they are building our family tree (a Willow) in God’s heavenly garden.
Rick proudly served our country for 25 years (1985-2010) as an Engineering Duty Officer in the Nuclear Submarine Force of the United States Navy. He was qualified in submarine warfare. His sea tours included the USS SANDLANCE (SSN 660) and the USS STONEWALL JACKSON (SSN 634 Blue). The remainder of his career he held several positions of responsibility as it applied to Nuclear Submarine maintenance, engineering and readiness for the United States Navy.
Although Rick’s footprints are no longer on earth, his imprint will continue with his friend of 43 years and wife of 38 years, Jeannie; his children Robert (Tammy), Erica and granddaughter, “Sweet Raylyn”. He was so truly proud of our children and absolutely loved being a Dad. He was a most engaging father throughout their lives. He was very happy to include Tammy (Robert’s wife) into our family and loved her very much. He was over the moon excited to be a grandfather and overjoyed to be with her; whether in person or through the daily Facetime. Raylyn made his heart smile.
Rick is also survived by his sisters, Tammy Wise (Curtis), Susan Siegel (David), Kay Jernigan (Dorsey) and Patty Staker, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Also continuing his legacy are the many family members and friends who truly loved him and enjoyed being in his company.
Rick was a very social guy. He didn’t need to know you to say hello and chat; nor to lend a hand. He very much enjoyed sharing stories (he is affectionately known as Long Legs 11). Although he was somewhat reserved (always the observer), he had an incredible knack of saying something so very humorous in a most unsuspecting moment! He had a beautiful smile…a treasure.
Rick enjoyed many things. Gathering with his family and loved ones was the most. He was a lifelong Philadelphia fan: Eagles (GO BIRDS), Phillies, Sixers and Flyers. He enjoyed jogging (just about every day), taking care of “his” lawn (mowing twice a week like clockwork), riding his Harley then retiring to the patio early evenings late Spring through early Fall. He would listen to his play list (mostly music from 1972) whilst throwing tennis balls at the squirrels trying to eat the bird seed from his mechanically engineered bird feeder in between adding wood and stoking the fire in his pit. He always had beer in the fridge for friends and neighbors stopping by.
When weather didn’t permit and there were no sports to watch, he would retire to his recliner and iPad and play golf, Clash of Clans and Boom Beach….for hours! Weather always permitted Tuesday night poker with his buddies at DelVets!
Rick was diagnosed with ALS in October 2021. He worked tirelessly to live with this and maintain a quality of life. He stayed as strong as he could for as long as he could.
He was a Hero!
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 1:00. All are welcome to attend. The service will be available to watch online after 4:00 PM that day. Follow this link to view: https://my.gather.app/remember/ricky-seraiva
We ask, in lieu of flowers, that you support the ALS Association and The Paralyzed Veterans in any way you can. We thank those who have made donations in his honor.
