Obituary of Richard P. Rambadt Urkiel

Richard Paul Rambadt-Urkiel, of Poughkeepsie NY, Provincetown MA, and Palm Springs CA, died unexpectedly at home in Poughkeepsie on Nov. 28, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 65.

Born on May 10, 1958 in New Milford CT, Rich was the only son of the late Charlotte (nee Bankwitz) and John Urkiel.

Rich graduated from Brookfield High School in 1976 and was self-employed. He attended Pace University, University of Bridgeport, and Western Connecticut State University, earning five master’s degrees in History, Psychology, Business, Education, and Sociology. 

On March 24, 1994 Rich met the love of his life, Michael Rambadt. They married 18 years later, once the law allowed, on May 27, 2012. Michael was by Rich’s side throughout his illness and Rich died at home, as he wanted, in Michael’s arms.

In addition to his husband, Rich is survived by his sister Jean Fraser of VA; his sisters-in-law Donna Christensen and her husband Randy of Sharon CT, and Karen Consolato of Ghent NY; nieces Jennifer Lanza and her husband Chris of NC, Marie Christensen of FL, Kellie Christensen of AZ, and Heather Brown of AZ; nephew Corey Christensen of CT; and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Rich was predeceased by his beloved nephew Tony Consolato of AZ on Oct. 10, 2022.

Rich was a cat lover and leaves behind his dearly loved felines Sam, Lily and Miles (aka Weasel), and new additions Athena and Diana.

Rich loved the outdoors, hiking, traveling, politics, being with friends, and he devoted himself to fighting for justice, and caring for his family and those he loved.

Rich’s family wants to thank the amazing staff at Bethel Health Care Center for their exceptional care, and Arlington Fire and Rescue and Town of Poughkeepsie Police for their compassion and professionalism.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A Celebration of Life will be held in early 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter (CASAS) in Provincetown MA, via casasanimalshelter.org. or to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) via https://www.hrc.org.