The world has lost an incredibly unique and irreplaceable soul with the unexpected passing of Rich Colli. The outpouring of grief and love following his death serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing has left a hole in many hearts, and those who were fortunate enough to be close to him are now navigating a world without the infectious laughter and magnetic presence that Rich so effortlessly brought into every room.
Rich Colli wasn’t just a man; he was an experience—a force that drew people in, made them feel alive, and transformed ordinary moments into memories that would last a lifetime. For over a decade, he was a constant figure in the lives of so many, particularly in his time at Varga and in Beer. His energy and charisma made an indelible mark on everyone he encountered, and the connections he formed during this time were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and countless memories.
In an emotional post on social media, one of Rich’s closest friends, Sophia Tran Hornyak, shared the deep sorrow that so many others are feeling right now. “The last time I posted something on Facebook it’s because I lost someone who filled my life with laughter, a soul that you’re lucky to meet once in a lifetime,” she wrote. “I got lucky many times over, but when you walk so close to love you tread the line with deep grief.” These words encapsulate the bittersweet nature of Rich’s presence in the lives of those who knew him—he was someone who brought immense joy but now leaves behind a void that feels impossible to fill.
Sophia continued, describing the immense influence Rich had in her life and how they spent countless hours together. “Between working at Varga and in Beer, my life was so intertwined with Rich’s for over a decade. I spent more hours, nights, and vacations with that man than maybe even my husband. The gravity he held sucked you all the way into his orbit. God, I’m so fucking blessed to have gotten inside that circle.” The love and admiration for Rich are palpable, and Sophia’s words echo the feelings of many who considered him a close friend and confidant.
What truly stood out about Rich was his authenticity. He was the embodiment of no-nonsense honesty, yet always embraced the chaos and humor of life with a joy that was contagious. “No one could pick up on a random inside joke and carry it home like he could,” Sophia recalled. “If he saw an injustice, he was the first to stand up and shut it down. He could dissect something into such an obvious black and white, but also stand in non-judgement. When he cared, he cared with his whole being.” Rich had the rare ability to see the world with a clarity that others admired, and his strong sense of justice always led him to stand up for what he believed was right, no matter the cost.
What made Rich stand out even more was the ease with which he lived his life. He never cared about following societal norms or conforming to expectations. “He was always down to be weird, and do it so effortlessly it made everyone else second guess their self-awareness, which was a marvel to watch,” Sophia shared. His confidence in being unapologetically himself was magnetic, and those around him couldn’t help but be drawn to his uniqueness.
Rich also had a special way of encouraging others to follow their passions, regardless of how unconventional those passions may have seemed. “The thing I always thought was cool about Rich was that he just wanted people to follow their hearts, no matter how off the wall, you’d never find anyone more supportive than him,” Sophia reflected. She shared an iconic quote from Rich: “I don’t give a shit what it is, just do your thing… whatever it is! Just fucking do it!” The sincerity behind these words highlighted Rich’s undying belief that people should pursue their true desires, no matter how out of the ordinary they may seem to others.
Perhaps the thing that people will miss the most about Rich is his laugh. In a world that often feels heavy and full of uncertainties, Rich’s laugh was a constant reminder of the joy to be found in life. His laughter was a hallmark of his personality, infectious and genuine. “The thing that hits me the most, is that when someone you love so much passes, you hear their laugh,” Sophia wrote. “I can’t not hear his laugh. And I’m really having a hard time processing that I’ll never hear that laugh again.” That laughter was a defining feature of his spirit—a sound that not only brightened rooms but also brought people together, making them feel lighter and more connected.
Rich’s life, though tragically cut short, was full of moments that made others feel seen, appreciated, and loved. The outpouring of grief and tribute pouring in from friends, family, and colleagues reflects just how deeply he was cherished by those around him. He wasn’t just a friend to many; he was a source of light, a beacon of support, and a reminder of how important it is to live authentically and with passion.
His legacy will live on in the stories shared by those who loved him, in the laughter that will continue to echo in their memories, and in the unwavering support he gave to those around him. In times of grief like this, it’s often hard to find words that truly capture the essence of a person, but Rich’s life is one of those rare ones where his presence alone spoke volumes. He didn’t need grand gestures to show his love—his actions, his words, and his laugh were more than enough to prove how much he cared.
As the community comes to terms with the loss of Rich, many are reflecting on the lessons he taught them: to live fully, to laugh often, and to love deeply. Rich’s approach to life reminds us that time is precious, and we must make the most of every moment, embracing both the absurdity and beauty of life with open arms. His spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew him, and his legacy of love, laughter, and authenticity will continue to inspire others for years to come.
In closing, Rich Colli may no longer be with us physically, but his impact on this world will never fade. His laughter, kindness, and ability to bring joy to everyone around him will remain with those who loved him forever. His memory will live on, a testament to the incredible man he was—a man who lived life to the fullest, loved fiercely, and made the world a better place just by being in it. Rest in peace, Rich. You will never be forgotten.
The post Rich Colli Death, Obituary; In Loving Memory Of Rich Colli first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
