Submit a PhotoRichard Causey, lovingly known as “Rich” or “Superman” by those closest to him, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Rich was truly one of a kind—a man of boundless love, unwavering loyalty, and an unmatched sense of humor.
Rich was a devoted husband to Kristen, a proud and adoring father to Sydney and Tatum (Skye) Mendes, and a beloved brother, son-in-law, uncle, nephew, and friend. To all who knew him, he was a man of great faith and integrity, whose honesty and goodness were the foundation of his life and relationships.
Born and raised in Miami, FL, Rich cultivated a lifelong love of music, family, and laughter. He had a natural way with animals, earning him the title of “the family pet whisperer.” In 1991, after getting engaged to Kristen, the two embarked on their greatest adventure together, relocating to Arizona, where they raised their family and built a life filled with love and cherished memories.
Rich dedicated his professional life to the aviation industry, beginning as a skilled aviation mechanic and later excelling as the Director of Sales & Procurement. His strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail earned him great respect among colleagues and friends.
Rich leaves behind his wife Kristen, his daughters Sydney and Tatum (Skye) Mendes, his brother Greg, and his step-siblings Julie, Robert Jr., and Mark. He is also survived by his cherished Aunt’s Sharon (Alfio) Monas, Sharon Yoder and, Sandy Harris, his in-laws William and Helen Ruoff, and a large, loving extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. He is pre deceased by his mother & father, Robert and Carol Causey, grandparents Leroy and Delores McDonnell, grandparents Raymond and Mary Kelley, Annie Causey and, his step-brother Keith.
Rich’s life was a testament to kindness, humor, and faith. He lived with an open heart, always prioritizing his family and spreading joy to everyone he encountered. His legacy—a life marked by honesty, love, and dedication—will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Rich’s life will be held January 24th, 2025 at Gilbert Memorial Park from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Samaritan’s Purse, Tunnel 2 Towers, and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in honor of Rich’s life and legacy.
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We will miss your humor and long friendship since we met in Flower Mound, Texas. Rest in peace Rich.
I miss you so much my brother! I will cherish our conversations and all the times you have made me laugh and been there for me. I am grateful we had last Christmas together. Until we meet again…
How do you say how much Rich will be missed. Having friends all over this planet, he would make friends effortlessly. Thought he sold ice to an Eskimo once.
Our families had the privilege of meeting, establishing lifelong relationships. I spent a couple of weeks last May , and conversations were about as down to earth as one could expect. You will be a friend forever. Till the next time, peace.
Had the honor of working with Rich at one of the best turbine engine shops with Aviall. We had fun working together and playing softball in the leagues around Phoenix and Mesa. Rich was a great guy and very willing to help anyone. RIP my friend.
We are so sorry to learn of Rich’s passing. He was a great father figure and friend to our son, Douglas. We are forever grateful for that.
Rich, you were a fighter until the end! You will be greatly missed by all who knew you and certainly never forgotten.
So very sad. He will be missed. I’ll see you again on the back nine…
Always enjoyed being around and working with Rich. You will be missed. Prayers for the family through these difficult times. God bless you all.
God bless this man. Hang in there Kristen we miss your family.
Kristen, Sharon and I are deeply saddened to hear of Rich’s passing. I had thought all was under control but was wrong. Both of us wish and your family the very best. Rich was part of the Aviall family and he will be deeply missed.
To Kristen ….We in New York are so sorry to hear about Rich. I remember him always being so caring, and fun to be around when you guys came to NY. Prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace Rich. Love you Kristen.
Sincerely,
Jeanne
I will always think of you fondly and chuckle from time to time remembering some funny line you said or story you told to me.
A mans impact on this life can be measured in the amount of people you influenced and with that measure, I can say you left a great impression on all who were lucky enough to know you.
My condolences to the family he loved so greatly.
From our families and to yours our thought and hearts are with you. Of course we felt He was so darn funny, kind and loving. We are blessed to have known him.
Dear Kristen, Ed and I are so very sorry to hear about Rich. My family is sending blessings and prayers to your family hoping in some small way it gives you some strength, peace, and comfort. Love you tremendously Heidi
You will be missed by the whole of your cousins. Rest in heaven Ricky 🙁
My dear nephew, we miss your warmth, wit and courage. You fought a hard and valiant battle, but in the end God chose to take you home to join your mom and dad, as well as all of those who went before you. Praying that He will cradle you in His loving arms and comfort your family and loved ones until we are all together again. We love you beyond measure. Always.
Rich’s passing leaves a huge void in the lives of so many of his family and friends. He was truly a remarkable person who will never be forgotten by those of us who were fortunate enough to share life with him.
Dear nephew, we will miss your wit, your courage and your kindness. You fought a hard band valiant battle, but in the end God chose to take you home to be with your loving mother and your dad. We pray that God will cradle you in His healing arms and comfort you and your family and loved ones. We will love and miss you always.
I am saddened to hear of Rich’s passing! We worked together for a short time, but I thought the world of him and know he will be missed. Heaven has its doors wide open for you!
So sorry to hear of your loss our prayers are with you and your family.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve known rich since he started in aviation. He was a good guy