Richard Edward Boza Jr.

Rick and Cheryl Boza were together for almost 36 years, having met as Guest Relations cast members at the Walt Disney World Resort. Over the years they enjoyed many Disney vacations and cruises, but their greatest joy was sharing those experiences with family and friends.

Richard Edward Boza, Jr. “Rick,” age 60, of Windermere, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Syosset, New York, on February 16, 1966, he lived a life defined by integrity, curiosity, generosity, and devotion to the people he loved.

At a very young age, Rick and his parents moved from Syosset, NY, to Port Washington, NY. There he was raised by a close-knit community of grandparents, cousins, extended family, and family friends. That community also included families from the NYPD Pulaski Association, as his father served as a Nassau County police officer. Vacationing in groups was a cherished tradition, whether on Pulaski Association trips to the Catskills’ Concord Resort Hotel, or when the Boza family invited family and friends to visit their rural Pennsylvania retreat or second home in Orlando, where Rick’s parents eventually retired in 1988.

A gifted learner, Rick demonstrated his need for challenge from an early age. Family members fondly recalled the time he ran away from Mrs. Hamburger’s kindergarten class because he was “bored” and decided to head home. He went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY and Fordham University in the Bronx.

After college, Rick headed south to join the rest of his family and take a job with Disney. Largely self-taught in computer technology, he soon left Disney to work for several tech companies, including Seagate Technology and Microsoft, before founding his own consulting firm. Rick later sold his company to return to his Disney roots, working on technology systems for Disney Cruise Line and Disney Experiences. He served on the opening teams that launched Disney’s newest four cruise ships.

Everyone who knew Rick knew of his love for sports, online gaming, rock music, and cars. He was an active baseball and football player in his youth, ran track, swam competitively, and worked as a lifeguard. His favorite teams included the New York Mets, New York Jets, and his adopted hometown teams, the Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rick enjoyed heading north in summertime to chaperone godson Owen’s scout camping trips. He and Cheryl traveled to various cities to see some of their favorite bands, including YES, Asia, and Depeche Mode, in concert. Two years ago, a spirited German Shorthaired Pointer named Liesel joined their household, and she and Rick developed a special bond.

Rick passed unexpectedly from complications that followed major surgery. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cheryl; godchildren, Owen Petito and Danielle Banks; aunt, Marilynn Hall, and a wealth of cousins and family across the country. Love and appreciation for their special support go out to his best friend, Dr. Anthony Petito, and beloved cousins Mary Ryder Fedoration (Tom) and Kathy Ryder Robinson (Danny). Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Kay; sister, Lisa; and father, Dick, who passed in December 2025 at age 93.

Rick will be deeply missed and forever loved. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held after the 2026 holidays.