Rico Graham,the son of Vernell Streetandthe late RicardoGraham, wasborn in Baltimore, MarylandonOctober8, 1983.Reekashewas affectionately known,was anONLY childtothis union.Hetransitionedfrom earthlylabortoheavenly rewardon May 24,2020.

Rico wasbornandraised in Northeast Baltimore wherehe developeda tremendous love for all sports. However, his personal lovewas for baseballwhere he played for some o f the best teams in the state. Hewould remaina lifelong sports enthusiastanda diehard Ravensfan.Duringhis formativeyears, Rico gave his lifetoChrist when he joined theSalemBaptistChurchunder Pastor Jimmie RobinsonIII. Rico wasemployed withthe BaltimoreCity Sanitation Department wherehe was anoutstandingworker.

Rico had a tremendous loveforlifeandlived ittothefullest. His love storystarted with his lovefor hisdaughters, IyonnaandDa'ziyha,who meanteverythingto him. He would doanythingfor hisgirls becausehe knew theimpact it would haveontheirlives. He touched so manyotherlives as wellbecause ofthe lovethatwas in his heart. Hiskindness wasn't limitedto his Mom and family,butREEK always extendedhimselfwith compassion andkindness.He wasa truefriendto the end.

Regardless ofthe challenges that REEK experienced in his life, he alwaysremained upbeat. You could never really tell if something was tugging on himbecausehe was so selfless. When he was at hisbest,he was amazing and yet when adversity came his way, he wasstill betterthan most. He wasachampion when it came to believing and encouraging others. He made youbelievein the impossible.

What an amazing relationship he had with his Mom. They loved eachother unconditionally.Vernell gave her sonagood life because she investedeverything shehad in her son. Whether it was takinghimto baseballpracticeor just shopping,they did so much together.Rico'scousin, Devaldo who alsolivedwith them, sharedatruebrotherlyrelationship that willlastforever. Rico adored his Mom and was extremelyprotectiveand loving. Thisearthly relationshiphas endedbutdeath cannot erase the memoriesoftheir life together.

At thetime ofhis death, Rico was engaged to the loveofhis life, Sheneeka.They had accomplishedso much and hada brightfuture planned. This losshits hard but lovewillhavethe final say. There isno death inlove, for love iseternal.To the many friends Ricocherishedand theycherishedhim, stayencouragedandjustknowREEKisjust a thoughtaway. He was anamazingpersonandhe will be greatly missed.

Rico leavestocherish his memories:hisloving mother, Vernell Street; his fiancee, Sheneeka;twodaughters, IyonnaandDa'ziyha; two sisters, SabrinaandMakeba;twobrothers, Devaldo ChappellandRicardoGrahamJr. (deceased); four Uncles, Dennis, Alvin, Ronaldo,andWarren; three aunts, Patricia Street, Theresa GrahamandMichelle Graham; and a host of cousins and friends.