Richard A. Santos Sr.
Date of Passing:
Richard A. “Ricky” Santos Sr., 69, of Naomi Street, Bristol, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of Jennie (Senteio) Santos and the late Antone L. Santos. He called East Providence home for the majority of his life. Affectionately known as “Ricky,” he possessed a unique passion for life. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and important, as if they were the most important person in the room. As a young boy, he was one of the first in Rhode Island to undergo open-heart surgery at the age of 9, an experience that profoundly impacted his life.
Undeterred by his health challenges, he soon developed a lifelong love of music. A drummer for over 50 years, Rick used music as a powerful tool for connection, forging deep and lasting relationships. Whether performing himself, bringing people together in his studio, or working as a stagehand, music had a hold on him that he could not ignore, and it served as an integral part of his life, allowing him to meet and perform with many of his musical heroes.
Above all, Rick cherished his friends and family. He treasured moments spent in meaningful conversation and shared laughter. He was always ready with a (often terrible) joke or a captivating story. Most importantly, he deeply valued human connection, cultivating relationships with a passion that few could match. He was a special soul with a huge heart, and his memory will live on in all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother Jennie Santos, wife Paula Desano-Santos, three sons, Richard A. Santos Jr. of Riverside, RI, Joshua M. Santos and his wife Melissa of Rehoboth, MA, Christopher C. Santos and his wife Kimberly of Mashpee, MA, a daughter, Jacqueline D. Antepenko and her husband Mark of Rehoboth, MA, a brother, Joseph M. Santos and his wife Elizabeth of New Port Richey, FL, a sister, Naima Ansari and her husband Farid of Statesboro, GA, ten grandchildren, Brittany, Justin, Alexia, Vera, Logan, Samantha, Brody, Christopher, Ethan, and Emily, five great-grandchildren, Dominic, Kinsley, Antone, Tristan, and Elijah, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless dear friends. He was the brother of the late Robert “Bobby” Santos.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside. Visitation starts at 1:00 P.M., followed by service at 3:00 P.M.
My heartfelt condolences to Paula and Rick’s family. I knew Rick for almost 50 years. May he rest in peace.
I knew Ricky many years ago and reconnected with him on FB ..he really was a friend to so many people and would help anyone who needed it. Condolences to his family and friends, many who knew him from a young age. Close friends will miss him greatly…RIP to a gentle soul.. XXOO ☮️💐🌹😔🥁
RIP Ricky
🙏
From myself and Mark our hearts are crushed over the news of the passing of our dear friend Rick…he was one of the sweetest kindest soul I’ve ever met…wish we had more time so you could teach me to run the sound board…as my eyes year up you will be forever missed but never forgotten…may you RIP our friend💔
Ricky was a Great man and a Good life long Friend. He had Great Talent and Drive. We had been riding our motorcycle cycles up to his Birthday party’s and Events the past 5or 10 years. Got to see him play at the Event Honoring Les Paul in Newport very Talented he will be missed by many God bless peace ✌️ my friend
There is nothing more that I can say then how very sorry I am for your loss.
My condolences and prayers to Jennie & family. So sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. May Ricky rest in peace. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Dad, I love and miss you so much. It’s still unbelievable that you are gone. In life I knew how good your heart was because I saw it and heard it but now in death to hear and read the comments, it warms my heart. You had a beautiful soul for sure that made a difference to so many people and I’ll cherish that always.
Rest in peace my friend, and blessings to your beautiful children and your wonderful Mom. You will be missed.
My condolences to the Santos Family Ricky’s wife Mom , sons and daughter.
I:be known Ricky my whole life We are childhood friends
He will be missed, he was a great uplifting , funny as a SOB , very philosophical, loving , kind man. Take care of each other , now, Know you were Loved by him immensely.
RIP Ricky,
Always enjoyed your company my friend
Most sincere condolences to Paula and family. Rick and I go back over 60 years. Like many who have known him, he will be missed. I smile as I think he is now in a better place. So long old friend.
My heart is broken for you all 💔
RIP
Rick was One of a kind, with a smile as big as his heart. Rest peacefully my friend.
I was so saddened to hear today of Rick’s passing. I had the pleasure of working in the same band with him, years ago. He was a very nice man & a great drummer also. My condolences to his wife and his family. May he Rest In Peace 🙏
With sincere condolences tp Paula and all of Rick’s family. Was always a pleasure to run into Rick through the years I met him back in 1989 through friends Kate Huntington and Ray Martin.Rick was always so musically inspired. Rest in Peace Rick, but always “Rock On.”
Richard (Dickie) & Laurie Saunders
You were so kind to me Ricky
Thank you for inviting me into your home
And letting me watch you work in your studio with singer Andy Pratt.
That was so amazing!
You made sure he signed his debut record and my jacket for me.
When you found out my grandfather was Tanaz, You said
“I use to play with him”
We spent hours talking about God & Jesus. You were a true believer.
Thank you for everything Buddy..
Love You
Sincerely, Denny
we luv ya rickey, keep rockin, rip up there, eskie
Paula many condolences to you and the family. I remember when you first met Ricky I was so happy for you and then when you told me you were getting married I was even more excited. You had 8 years of wonderful memories keep them in your heart forever. May the Lord watch over you and keep you Love Michael Rose.
Rick will be missed by so many. Deepest sympathy to Paula and all the Santos family.
It is with heartfelt condolences to the family to learn of Rickys passing.
We had just talked in February and most of his conversation was about his beautiful family – wife, mom and kids. It was a great conversation and I will miss his laughter and jokes …. Rest in Peace Ricky.
Well, the last conversation I had with Rick was didn’t he want to come to Florida to see his mother and tell her that he loved her. Well, that went over like a lead balloon. His mother was excited that he was coming next month! He will never be able to hug her now. May he rest in peace.
I’m from South Africa. My name is Heiletje.
Rick was a very dear friend of mine.
We only knew each other on Facebook. Known eachother for only 10 months. Despite the distance and the shirt period of time. He holds a very special place in my heart.
RIP my dear friend. My deepest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Love y’all.
Rick had his drums set up in my basement back the early 70s when I was in my early teens . He was part of our family being a close friend of my brother Kenny. He had open heart surgery at a young age and he confided with us that he was not expected to live into his 30s. He beat the odds. He was always to cool and calm: very intelligent in his well being and his love for life and his passion for music. Rest in peace Ricky Santos 🙏❤️✌️
I’ve been struggling for 2 days, trying to think of what I could say about Rick’s passing. First of all, I’d like to say how very sorry I am for his family and very close friends. I know you are suffering and all I can do is pray that you have a peace that is beyond understanding🙏🙏🙏 Rick is at rest and no longer suffering! God Rest his soul❣️
R.I.P.Cousin Rickey your smile will always be with us.!
Paula and Family – my heart breaks for you. I will always continue to cherish the memories I have with Rick. Music always brought us together, and kept us together. May his memories and music do the same for you, and may you find comfort and peace. Pete Silva
Rick was a wonderful gentile soul. He and Paula helped me out through a tremendously difficult time of the passing of my fiancé Larry. He spoke at Larrys funeral profound words in his memory that I will never forget. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through without his support. We shared the love of music and had planned to work on my record at his studio. He was such a great person and will be missed. I am continually praying for his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP my friend. The heavens gained an angel.
Dear Cousin Jenny and Family,
Please accept my sympathies and prayers at the passing of Ricky.I remember my last encounter with you and Ricky, the warm smiles, hugs and laughter.Please take great care and my Ricky Rest in God’s divine light.Love you Jenny ❤️
I met Rick randomly online when I was filming a lowbudget film involving local music artists, he said he was a drummer and would love to be on camera, he is the only guy I know that genuinely gives a crap about others and asks nothing in return, he is was so agreeable and innocent, you could make his day by just talking to him, he is the happiest guy in the world by just being social no matter what, I often asked him why he even offered to help me for nothing in return and he didn’t really have an answer besides “I love the idea” you rock
My first conversation with Rick was nearly two hours long, and over the phone. I was looking for a new drummer for a new project, and called him in response to his e-mail. We immediately hit it off, and had some mutual acquaintances, and I got off the phone knowing I just absolutely loved this guy… Of course, we spoke of somewhat of an audition, but agreed to meet, but where else, The Met. And not that he told me, but we played for a good couple hours before really speaking, but it took me only a few minutes to realize, the auditioner, was actually in fact being auditioned, and I never laughed harder… And after that, we spoke for a few more hours, and then spent quite a while playing together and talking about life, his family, my family. He was such a sweet soul, character, gentleman, artist, the drumming was the icing on the cake. And he could, did, and just owned a drum set when behind one.
I’ve seen him help some many others, and have so many love and enjoy him, and his presence and being. Love you Rick, forever in my heart and in my thoughts…
My condolences to Rick’s family and to all who were lucky enough to know the man. RIP dear friend…
Ricky, such a nice guy who always had a smile. An incredible drummer with a unique and loving spirit! I’ve known Ricky as long as I can remember. Rest in peace, and my heartfelt condolences to his whole family. 🙏🏻🫶🏻🥁🎶
I a so very sorry for your lost. I knew Rick from school he was a great guy , a very kind person who was kind to everyone. A down to earth kind of person. A awesome drummer. He was a fun person. And will be missed. But never forgotten. Peace my friend Rick. Prays to the family , close friends. And his beautiful wife Paula.
My condolences to the Santos family. I’ve known Ricky all my life and he was a great guy,a great musician and a great friend who will be missed. Rock in Peace Ricky
So very sorry for your loss. Ricky was a monument of a man. May the Lord bless and keep all the family and friends in His compassionate embrace.
A very special person!
We shared a love of music together .
He was like a brother to me !
I will miss him dearly!
I know he is playing those drums in heaven.
This is not good bye.
It’s I will see you later!
Sending all my love and prayers to the love of his life , his wife Paula and his family❤️🙏❤️
Your Legacy will live on Ricky. What a remarkable life you had! You touched so many lives in so many different ways.Rock on!! Peace! ♥️
Rick was my wild child when I met him at age 14, I watched over him like my own son. He dubbed me Mother FeFe. I am so proud to see the man he grew up to become and so over joyed seeing the many Benefits he had on each of his birthdays supporting causes for the needy. Go with God Ricky, you are loved and will be missed. Rest in paece my one time son by choice.
I will be away the day of the funeral, so unfortunately, I won’t be able to be there, but my sincere condolences to the entire family Rick was a very good friend of mine. He will be sorely missed 🙏🏽🙏🏽
🌹🕊️🕯️
My condolences and prayers to the Santos Family. God Bless.
I will miss him dearly Shine on my friend 🌹
A good friend and engineer of music… we miss him already.
Just like him to not wait until April 1st…
My first cousin, more like a brother who shared my musical gene with me. We planned some things to record that we didn’t get a chance to do because of many circumstances in the last few years. Stop wasting time people. Do what you set out to do. Reach out today, not next week. Tune in, be there. I will miss him so much. All my love, always.
Jennie and Family,
Please know prayers of comfort are with you all at this most difficult time. May your loved one Rest in Heavenly Peace
Ricky may you be at peace. It was great to see you and talk with you a few months ago at the CV Club. I have fond memories of growing up with all of you on Warren Ave. My condolences to your family…your cousin Susan
Ricky. My true life long friend. From hanging at the brook hunting imaginary elephants to sitting in your studio watching videos remembering “the good old days” you were always the same kind loving person and I will miss you my dear friend.
We will deeply forever miss you Rick you where such an amazing person to be around no matter what the situation was you always had a amazing smile that could light up the room also no matter where you would go if you didn’t know half the crowd in the place then it would be like saying that you didn’t know anyone I could go on all night but I think you can see how much you meant to us. R.I.P. Rick I Will Always Miss you. Love Always billie jo ❤️
My condolences to the Santos family for your loss. Cousin Ricky R.I.P.
My Deepest and Strongest Prayers to the Family for Finding Peace Through this Horrible Loss to Us All. Fly High My Brother, Fly High. Till We Jam Again. Rest Easy and God Bless You 🙌 Always…
My Deepest and Strongest Prayers to the Family for Finding Peace Through this Horrible Loss to Us All. Fly High My Brother, Fly High. Till My Jam Again. Rest Easy and God Bless You 🙌 Always…
Rick was a really nice guy and a good friend. He will be missed.
RIP, Rick.
My dear nieces and nephews, I could tell you some stories, loving stories, heartwarming stories. Maybe someday that chance will come. In the meantime though; you must know undoubtedly Ricky loved all of you and spoke of all of you within the depths of his soul where the greatest love lies. He shared his deepest thoughts with me just under a month ago…Paula…he loved you still and “always will.”
Rick was kind, giving, always there to help and always encouraging. I will miss dearly.