Rick Wiltzius Memorial

I am so heartbroken to share the news that our beloved friend Rick, a longtime server at Rx Restaurant & Bar, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday. We are going to miss him so much.

Rick had the most interesting life and the best stories. His laugh was infectious, and he was so kindhearted and cared deeply for others. He was the kind of person people gravitate toward. Rick was very special to us.

Some of Rick’s stories included tales of living in NYC as a younger man, frequenting Studio 54, his modeling career, spending time with John Lennon (a regular at the restaurant where he worked), and opening a restaurant of his own in Maine. He kept us all entertained and laughing.

Rick collected art and loved visiting estate sales with his best friend, Phillip. One time he bought a beautiful - and very large - painting for $50. He researched the artist and gallery it was sold from originally and learned it had been sold for thousands. That made his whole month! When the artist asked what he purchased it for, he didn’t have the heart to tell her he’d only paid $50. He wanted her to feel encouraged about her work. He was always worried about how his words and actions impacted others and was always quick to apologize. He was strong too. He beat cancer and maintained a positive attitude throughout.

Rick and I talked about him returning to work when we reopen this fall. He was so excited about our plans but wasn’t feeling physically up to waiting tables anymore. We told him we would make up a job for him, like maître d'. We just wanted him there with us, and he wanted to be there with all of us (and you too): “out in the world of the living,” as he would say.

One of my most important memories of Rick was working with him the day gay marriage was legalized nationwide. He cried tears of joy and disbelief during service. I cried with him back in the wait station and we hugged each other tightly. “I never thought I would see this in my lifetime,” he said repeatedly. It was such a special night. It wasn’t much longer after that that Rick married his partner Marvin, and I don’t think anything made him happier in his life.

Rick always kept things simple and easy, so there won't be a service, but we want to help Marvin with Rick's end-of-life expenses as we respect his privacy. Please donate and share if you feel inclined (all funds go straight to Marvin). And please feel free to share a story of your own about Rick with us. We know he touched so many and will be missed by us all.

We love you always, Rick.