10/13/2026
Today, we were supposed to be out on a sea bass trip with a great group of guys. My father has been battling illness for over a year and was admitted to the hospital over two weeks ago. As I was paying for my morning coffee at Wawa at 5:30 AM today, my phone rang. It was my mom. I knew before I picked up. Dad, the man who got me into fishing at five years old and fostered my love for it ever since, passed away at 5:15 AM. Deepest thanks to my understanding crew—they knew and accepted that there will be other days to fish.
Many who fish with me knew my dad, Rich… known to many as Big Rick. He loved fishing, fi****ms, his family, and his country. He got me started on NJ party boats—half days on the Nada Jane and Happy Days, then full days on the Miss Lorraine with Capt. Joe Kubiak (who ended up being my high school biology teacher).
Big adventures started when he took me on my first bluefish trip on the Miss Barnegat Light. I asked him on the drive if they really fought hard, and he said, “You’ll see.” Man, was he right—those things kicked my ass! My first full-day wreck trip was on the Dauntless, which got me hooked on wreck fishing. We also spent plenty of time wreck fishing together on the Porgy III with Capt. Paul.
In 1996, Dad and I found a 1974 20’ Mako CC for sale. That boat became the original ADAM BOMB. I caught my first 30 lb class striped bass on it—with my dad, on his birthday, October 7th.
When I started my charter business, he couldn’t have been prouder. He told me it’s what I was born to do. Without his driving force cementing my passion, there’s a solid chance Adam Bomb Sport Fishing wouldn’t exist.
Above all, Dad was always willing to lend an ear. I’ll miss calling him on a random Wednesday to talk about fishing, hunting, races, politics, or anything in between. His most prized role was Pop-Pop to his six grandkids, and he loved hanging with them right up until the end.
Dad, thanks for starting me on a lifelong passion. I wouldn’t be the father and man I am today without you. Thanks to your faith in Christ, I know you’re in God’s Kingdom, and we will fish again one day!
Love and miss you forever, pal.
