Obituary of Romarico G Cabase Jr.

November 2, 2021

Unexpectedly, we are saddened to announce that our beloved Romarico G. Cabase Jr of Queens, New York passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 39 years old.

He was predeceased by his loving son, Rivers Carlisle (14) whom he loved endlessly with all of his heart, and his former wife, best friend, and inday, Sasha (Manhattan, NY). He is preceded in death by his parents, Romarico Sr. and Carmen (Cebu City, Philippines), his brother Raimund (Cebu City, Philippines), his sister Karen, brother-in-law Arnie, and niece Summer (Cebu City, Philippines), his parents-in-law, Dems and Malet, and sisters-in-law, Francine, Claudette, Angelique and Catcat (Cebu City, Philippines).

He is also survived by his Fender, Ibanez Artcore, Taylor guitars, pedals, Vox combo amp 1x12" and thousands of vinyl records.

He will be awfully missed and remembered by his bordz/roomie, Junn Man, his fraternity brothers of Alpha Kappa Rho and Radticsus Domini, fellow musicians in the Cebu and NYC local music scene, the New York City Fil-Am community, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, distant relatives, friends and work colleagues.

Romarico, also known as, Rico/Rico Suave/Rico Mambo/Dong Gee Ar/Arot/Jie/JR was born in Cebu City, Philippines. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Radiology Technology and migrated to the United States to start a life with his family in 2007. He was one of the most musically talented, caring, and funniest man to ever walk on this earth. Like a Friendster testimonial, it is quite overwhelming, to sum up, one's life in an obituary but Rico's was a life full of music, cooking, and laughter, one that ended much too soon, a life that enriched others through his music and love for cooking. He was the WALKING SONGBOOK- ask him any song to play and he can play it for you. If you haven't had his world-famous fried chicken, paklay, Alaskan crabs, etc, you missed out. Rico's musical and culinary skills, artistry, compassion, and humanity were his gift. He always reminded us that music will always be there even in silence. Above all, his greatest pride and love was his son, Rivers Carlisle.

One cannot pretend that it is without sadness and grief when dealing with his passing but the predominant feeling is gratitude. He was the G.O.A.T. when it comes to giving and loving unconditionally. He gave so much without expecting anything in return. He was the guy who had your back, your go-to guy, and the ultimate wingman. He'd bring the booze, play his guitar and let you be the star. He'll torment you with his corny jokes because to him, the adversary to a good life is taking everything seriously. Rico knew how to make an entrance, and his smile and laughter were infectious- he was full of contagious goofiness. His early exit has left a huge hole in all of our hearts, a vacancy he would want us to fill with as much love and laughter (at his expense). One thing is for sure, he is now jamming with his rock and roll idols in heaven. After all, the show must go on!

Cremation will take place at the families' convenience and a memorial service will be held Sunday, December 5, 2021, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker Street, NY, NY 10012.

Everyone who remembers Rico is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Play some music and raise a glass of their favorite drink in his memory. Those who wish to pay tribute to Rico and to share memories, stories, or photos are invited to do so on this page.

If one wishes to do so, please consider memorial donations be made to:

Rivers' college fund, http://www.ugift529.com. Enter the Ugift code: Z44-Q6J. Enter your name and the amount of your gift.

Gifts in memory of Rico may also be directed to Support the Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute | Johns Hopkins Secure eCommerce.

As a family, we are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support we are receiving from you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

As always, he remains in our hearts and minds-with a guitar in his hand, playing our favorite songs and making us fat with his delicious cooking.

Funeral Services