Richard Lemar Whitaker Jr.

Richard Lemar Whitaker Jr. Departed this life on June 15, 2021, He was born November 28, 1999, to Richard L. Whitaker Sr. and the late Terra V. Smith in New Haven, CT. Little Richard to family and G-Rich as he demanded to be called by his friends, because of his love for Rap Artist G Herbo. His early learning began in the West Haven at Edith Mackrille School, he soon entered New Haven Public Schools at Hill Central for middle school and on to Eli Whitney Techincal High School of Hamden, CT. While attending Eli Whitney Little Richard spent his high school career playing his favorite sport basketball for “The Owls” as shooting guard in his favorite number “15”. On June 20, 2018, he graduated with a certification in Plumbing. Shortly after graduating Richard spent time perfecting his trade as an apprentice. Little Richard was not fond of being in the spotlight but had a smile that would light up the room. He loved joking around and was goofy, but very straight forward. He would “debate you down” if it were something he did not agree with you on. No matter what Little Richard made time for his family creating memories that would leave you reminiscing on the time you spent with him. For those that knew Richard he was a man of few words unless he really liked you. To know him was to truly love him. On February 14, 2019, His life changed for the best when he and Diviness welcomed their princess Roree. He welcomed fatherhood with open arms. He loved being a father and was crazy about his daughter. He was strict about her and never missed a beat when it came to her. He leaves memories to be cherished by his Daughter Roree Terra Whitaker (Diviness Bulls), Father Richard Whitaker Sr. of New Haven CT, Grandmother Shirley Perry- Gibson of West Haven CT., Two Sisters Paris Whitaker (Lamond Battle) and Quantaijah Whitaker. A Brother Xavier Harris all siblings of New Haven CT. Nephews Sean Deshields III, Mi’Jeir Via, Ni’rel Battle, E’than Brown and Baby Battle (Arriving November 2021) of New Haven CT. Nieces Mi’Leigh Frasier and Ezra Smith of New Haven, CT. Not only did Richard love his biological family God allowed him to share his life with his two Bonus brothers Robert Davis III and Travis Perry and one bonus sister Shekinah Hawkins. He also leaves behind a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends. Special Thank you from the family to his “Bros”. Mekhi Warren, Jaquan Toles, Tyreek London, Javis Jackson and Tymel Murdock, we appreciate you and understand the true definition of “brotherhood” “till the very end.” He was predeceased by paternal grandparents Kenneth Ray Whitaker & Margaret Jean Whitaker. Maternal grandfather Terel Ledbetter, and Brother Day’shon Smith.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Monday June 28, 2021 at 11am at Ebenezer Chapel, 50 Dwight Street, New Haven. Viewing in church from 9-11am. Interment to follow at Hamden Plains Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.