SANTA MONICA CA - Richard “Rick” Buell, born March 18, 1973, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and love at the age of 52. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Sr., and is survived by his devoted mother, Patricia, and his seven siblings.

The eldest of eight children, Rick was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Elementary School, Holy Cross High School, and Bentley University. He set the pace early—with a creative and remarkable mind and an almost mythic fascination with cars. By the age of three, he could identify vehicles by their headlights alone—make, model, even engine size. What began as childhood wonder grew into a lifelong passion and career, ultimately bringing him to New York and, in 2014, to Santa Monica, California, where he made his home. Rick spent his entire career in the luxury transportation industry, a path perfectly aligned with his love of living life fully—and giving others that same elevated experience.

Rick approached life with independence and conviction, guided by the mantra of Frank Sinatra’s My Way. He led with instinct, humor, and heart. An epic storyteller—thoughtful and perceptive—he had a rare magnetism that lit up a room. Rick had the gift of making others feel like the center of the sun: seen, valued, and capable of anything. He loved sharing experiences and often marked them with a thoughtful token; he saved every thank-you note, and sent letters from hotel stationary from all of his stays - letting us know we were always on his mind. His presence was a gravitational force—friends and strangers alike were drawn in, steadied, and uplifted.

His optimism was boundless, enduring even through his courageous battle with leukemia. In the most difficult moments, Rick remained the one reassuring others. His strength was quiet but unmistakable; his courage unwavering.

Rick leaves behind countless stories that will continue to be told—often loudly and with laughter. He was one of the rare few who carried lifelong friendships from youth through adulthood, bonds that withstood time, distance, and life’s many turns. He would want to recognize all those who stood beside him through it all. In the spirit of the song he lived by, he met life’s “joy and tears” without regret and cherished deeply those who shared the road.

He is survived by his loving mother, Patricia, and his siblings: Jennifer (Christina Licursi) of Dover, MA; Keith of Cottonwood, AZ; Shawn of Waterbury, CT; Ryan (Rachel) of Brambleton, VA; Katie (Chris) Molitoris of Cairo, Egypt; Morgan (Eric) Gallion of Medfield, MA; and Allison of Nashville, TN. He was a proud uncle to Caiden (10), McKenzie (9), Avery (19), Finnegan (4), Seamus (2), Alice (4), and Dean (2), each of whom brought him immense joy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury, CT.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday evening, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury, CT.

To honor Rick’s memory donations may be made to the Richard Buell Family Scholarship at Holy Cross High School (LINK) or via Venmo: @RichardBuellScholarship. Donations may also be made in Rick’s honor to the Pan-Mass Challenge, where 100% of every dollar raised supports lifesaving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://profile.pmc.org/pmc/JB1092. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to send a message of condolence or words of comfort, or to share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.