Richard Spagnualo

Richard S. "Rick" Spagnualo, 39, of Mattydale, passed away August 15, 2026. Richard was born in Syracuse, New York on July 1, 1987 to Richard Atkins and Michelle Spagnualo. Richard had been employed by BAC Local No. 2 where he had been a concrete finisher. In his free time, he enjoyed motorcycles, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Rick lived life on his own terms. He was the kind of person who never seemed to go anywhere alone—his friends were always close by, and wherever he went, he naturally became the center of attention. He had an incredible gift for taking the most basic, everyday story and turning it into something absolutely hilarious. The way he told a story could make you feel like you were right there with him, and before you knew it, everyone around him was involved, smiling and laughing. He could walk into a room and bring it to life, and somehow, he could talk his way into—or out of—just about anything. He had a personality that was impossible to ignore and a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable. Those who knew him will forever remember his stories, his humor, the laughter that followed him everywhere, and the way a gathering just felt more fun when he was there. There will never be another quite like him, and the stories about him will undoubtedly continue to be told—with plenty of laughter—for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Atkins; grandfather, Les Murray; grandmother, Pat Owens; grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth Atkins, uncle, William Atkins.

He is survived by his mother, Michelle Spagnualo; grandmother, Doris Murray; son, Richard J. Spagnualo; Fiancée, Sarah O'Neill; two step-daughters, Angelina Testa, Gabriella Testa; step-son, Chevy Gogliardo; brother, Dylan Spagnualo; sister, Amber Pericho-Spagnualo and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends may call on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals where a funeral service will follow at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, we would love for everyone to bring a card for Rick’s son, Richard J. Spagnualo, affectionately known as Bubby.  Inside the card, please consider sharing a favorite memory, funny story, or something you remember about Rick. Our hope is that Bubby will have something to hold onto as he grows older, something that helps him know his dad through the eyes of the people who knew and loved him. If you would also like to make a monetary contribution for Bubby, please place it inside the card. We also want everyone to know that these cards are intended specifically and privately for Bubby. He will be the only person allowed to open and read them. Any memories, messages, or contributions placed inside will remain his. More than anything, we want Bubby to be left with pieces of his dad: the stories, the laughter, the memories, and the reminders of the person Rick was to so many people.

To share a memory of Richard or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.