Rich Colli Death and Obituary – The world has suffered a significant loss with the passing of Rich Colli. A man whose presence was both vibrant and magnetic, Rich touched the lives of everyone he encountered. His unexpected death has left a profound impact on his friends, family, and colleagues, who now navigate life without the infectious laughter, boundless energy, and unique spirit that he brought into every room. In remembering Rich, we honor a man who was not just an individual but an experience—a source of light, laughter, and unwavering authenticity.
For over a decade, Rich was a central figure in the lives of many, particularly during his time at Varga and in Beer. His charisma and energy were contagious, making an indelible mark on all those he interacted with. Through his work and personal connections, Rich created lasting memories and friendships that have continued to thrive even after his passing. His unwavering ability to make others feel alive and seen was one of the many qualities that made him irreplaceable.
The emotional tributes pouring in from those who knew Rich illustrate the depth of his influence. One of his closest friends, Sophia Tran Hornyak, shared her heartfelt grief on social media, describing Rich as a rare soul who filled her life with laughter. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Sophia recalled spending countless hours together, both at work and outside of it. She described the powerful gravitational pull Rich had over others, drawing them into his orbit with ease and charm. The connection between them was deep, and Sophia expressed her gratitude for having had the privilege of being part of Rich’s circle.
What stood out most about Rich was his authenticity. He was unapologetically himself, embracing life’s chaos with humor and joy. His friends often recall his ability to see things with clarity, dissecting situations into simple truths, yet always doing so with compassion and without judgment. If he saw an injustice, he was quick to stand up and fight for what was right, never shying away from conflict when it mattered. Rich’s passion for justice was matched only by his dedication to the people he loved, always standing by them with unwavering support.
One of Rich’s most admired qualities was his encouragement of others to follow their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Sophia recalled one of Rich’s iconic phrases: “I don’t give a shit what it is, just do your thing… whatever it is! Just fucking do it!” This quote captured Rich’s core belief that people should pursue their dreams and desires without fear or hesitation. He never judged others for their uniqueness and was a constant source of inspiration, urging everyone around him to stay true to themselves.
Despite his many remarkable traits, what people will miss most about Rich is his infectious laugh. It was a sound that brought joy to any room and connected people in a way that words alone could not. Sophia reflected on how difficult it is to come to terms with the fact that she will never hear his laugh again. It was one of the many ways Rich made others feel lighter, brighter, and more connected to one another.
Rich’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and authenticity. Though his life was tragically cut short, the memories he created with his friends, family, and colleagues will continue to resonate for years to come. His impact is evident in the outpouring of grief and tribute from all who knew him, a testament to how deeply he was cherished. He was more than a friend—he was a guiding light, a reminder to live fully, laugh often, and love deeply.
In the face of such loss, those who loved Rich are left with invaluable lessons: to embrace life’s absurdity with open arms, to support others in following their hearts, and to always remain true to oneself. While Rich may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will live on in the laughter, love, and authenticity he left behind. Rest in peace, Rich Colli. You will never be forgotten.