Ricardo A. Stokes Jr.

Ricardo Alexander Stokes Jr. was born to Jennifer Stokes and Ricardo Stokes Sr. on May 31,1979 in Bronx, New York. Ricardo was the second born of the couple’s three children together.  As a child Ricardo was given the nickname “Poppa” which later changed to “Popz” as he became a teenager. Popz liked to watch cartoons, play video games, watch wrestling, ride skateboard, and play basketball. If fact his childhood dream was to become a professional basketball player. Unfortunately his height wouldn’t allow him to realize that dream, but his skill and talent were evident on the basketball court. He met many friends through his love of basketball. The backyard of his home in the Bronx was often filled with neighborhood boyswho maintained lasting friendships throughout the years.
 

Popz also loved Rap and Hip Hop music. His favorite song growing up was Skee-Lo’s “I Wish I Was A Little Bit Taller, I Wish I Was A Baller, I Wish I Had A Girl Who Looked Good I Would Call Her”. He would often quote the lyrics to Biggie Small’s “I Love It When You Call Me Big Poppa”. He could also recite the full lyrics to Ice Cube’s “Today Was A Good Day”. Popz represented New York to the bone. He was usually seen wearing a New York Yankees Baseball cap and a fresh pair of Jordan sneakers. His sneaker collection was extensive and he would often buy and trade them. Popz loved sports. He often hosted parties for his friends during the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. His favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers with the colors and tag song “Black And Yellow, Black And Yellow”.
 

Ricardo attended Westchester Area School where he learned not only academic skills, but the fear and admonition of the Lord. His home church was Grand Concourse SDA Temple. For High School Ricardo attended Harry S. Truman and later graduated from City As School. He later attended The College of Westchester and The Technical Career Institutes (TCI) where hestudied Technology. Popz was known for his quick wit and sarcasm. He was a wealth of knowledge and he always had the greatest comebacks.
 

Ricardo had numerous career experiences. He started out with the Police Athletic League (PAL) where he worked in the youth division. He moved on to work at the Coffee Beanery, and then later become a manager at Lids where he learned his unique skill of embroidery. Popz went on to perfect this skill as an entrepreneur. He had plans to advance his own clothing embroidery business. He also worked as an Uber driver to build revenue to support his many endeavors.
 

Popz migrated to Georgia where he met the love of his life and together they raised a handsome son and birthed 2 beautiful daughters. Ricardo was a man of principal. He believed it was his duty to provide for and protect his family. He held his responsibilities as a father very seriously and diligently. He took great care of his children. Teaching them to read and write, swim, play tennis, and ride a bike. He fed, dressed, and danced with his children with great pride. He often combed their hair, took them to school, played with them, and most importantly taught them how to pray. His children were his world, his main priority. His love for them flowed continuously.
 

On May 21, 2022 Ricardo Stokes Jr., affectionately known as Popz, succumbed to an extensive brain stem bleed and went to rest in the Lord. He is survived by his parents, siblings, stepson Brandon, daughters Breann and Brooke, a host of aunts and uncles, his many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. We will forever cherish his memory.

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