Richard J. Pouncey Jr. fell asleep in death on April 11, 2026. He was born on July 24, 1960, in New Haven, Connecticut, where he grew up with his younger sister Robyn and younger brother Raymond. As the eldest child, Richard was very protective of his siblings, even saving his brother's life by carrying him in his arms to the hospital at just 11 years old. Growing up with a host of cousins who were more like siblings, "Rich," as he was affectionately called, often had everyone laughing. He graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT, and began working with his friends who were carpenters, procuring jobs for them, as he easily ingratiated himself with whomever he met.

Continuing with his construction skills, Rich worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for the City of New Haven Housing Authority. Some years later, after marriage and relocating to California, he continued his career in public service for the City of San Diego's Public Works Department. It wasn't until 1992 that Richard made the city of New Bedford his home. While working for the City of New Bedford's Public Works Department, he made many friends and created opportunities to speak about his beliefs as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Although he later sustained an injury leading to early retirement, his outgoing personality was never dulled. Richard wrote and produced many songs, worked with local artists, and promoted fundraisers and various entertainment events.

Richard was well known in the community for his jovial demeanor, booming voice, and emphatic laugh. If you met him for the first time, you would likely leave smiling or laughing—and from that moment on, you would be affectionately known as "my buddy."

Whether you called him Dad, Rich, Uncle Richie, Pop-Pop, Pouncey, or "Big Poppa," he was well known for regularly checking in on the ones he loved, either in person or by phone. Many close to him echo the sentiment, "He made you feel that no one else mattered when he spoke with you."

He loved music that was "fire" and enjoyed food that was "slammin." Most of all, he loved his friends and family. He never let a day go by without calling his mother, and he always spoiled his only grandsons, Landon and Logan, with tasty treats. He would be thrilled to share stories about their accomplishments and amusing behavior. Most recently, Richard proudly shared a video of his eldest grandson's baptism with everyone.

Regarding this special milestone, Richard's last words to his daughter were:
"Hello sweetheart, I just want to tell you how extremely proud I am of you and your husband. Your hard work has bore fruit for all to see. Your sincere love for Jehovah God and His Son—continue to love them and protect them to the best of your ability, and with Jehovah's help, they will continue to grow and prosper spiritually."

He is survived by his daughter, Domonique Luiz, and her husband, Brandon; his grandsons, Landon Luiz and Logan Luiz; his mother, Edith Pouncey; his siblings, Robyn Odei-Ntiri, Raymond C. Pouncey Sr. and his wife, Melissa Pouncey; and his half-siblings, Marcus Pouncey, Steven Augustine, and Zsa Massey. He was predeceased by his half-sisters, Angela Pouncey Daniels and Lorraine Augustine. He was adored by his nieces, nephews, and countless cousins, and, as one sweet nephew shared, he leaves behind some big shoes to fill.

Most importantly, Richard truly believed in the only true God, Jehovah, and looked forward to the blessings of His Kingdom rule, when death, suffering, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4). He knew that Jehovah is "the God of the living," and that he would be safe in His memory until the day he hears Jesus' words: "Come out!"

A memorial talk in memory of Richard J. Pouncey Jr. will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:30pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 740 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. A Zoom link will be provided at a later date.