RICCARDO JOHN BROWN

Riccardo "Big Rick" Brown, Sr. passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 71. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Big Rick came out as a hero and stayed strong until the end. Big Rick, being the only child was raised by his mother Betty Boykins and step-father Frank Boykins in Washington, DC. He attended St. Peter's Catholic Church and Ballou High School before being drafted by the military, where he served for two years before being honorably discharged June 20, 1976. Big Rick's younger years were marked by struggle. He found himself caught up in a lifestyle of substance use, making choices that led him down a difficult path. Despite a challenging start at life, Big Rick was saved and gave his life to Christ in 2013. Though he wasn't the typical 9-5 worker, Big Rick had no problem getting his hands dirty nor using his entrepreneurial mindset to provide car detailing services, home improvement services and even forcing his children to sing Christmas carols (for pay) to locals in DC. If Big Rick wasn't making a big breakfast for the family, he would sit on the porch letting the entire neighborhood know that he was there by blasting his radio, or he would be streaming the latest football game, especially his favorite team, The Washington Commanders. Big Rick had a love for all animals, especially his grand-pup, Princess. Throughout his life, Big Rick touched so many and made many friends. He was known for his brutal honesty, giving nicknames to be remembered for years to come and most of all, asking for a ride to the store! Big Rick will truly be missed but his legacy lives on.. To cherish his memories, he leaves behind his loving wife: Cassandra Morris. Eight children: Tracy Paige (Charles), Duane Morris (Rochelle), Kelly Brown, Norman Morris, Erica Brown, Darnell Morris, Dorella Brown and Riccardo Brown Jr. (London). 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters-in-love, 4 brothers-in-love, bonus daughter Markita, best friend Junie and a host of cousins, family and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Frank Boykins,son Julius Brown, parents-in-love Walter Lee and Della Mae Morris, and Brother-in-love Jesse Shelton. His life will be celebrated with a funeral service at Pope Funeral Home Forestville Chapel on March 28, 2025, starting at 3:00 p.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 2:00 p.m., allowing friends and family to share their memories and pay their respects.

RICCARDO JOHN BROWN

January 24, 1954 - March 12, 2025