Ricky “Rick” Fondo passed away on July 26, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ricky was born in Longwood, Florida on November 13, 2001, and graduated from West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia in 2020. 

Ricky was a musician, artist and talented writer. He loved nature and the outdoors. The mountains were Ricky’s “happy place.”  Ricky had a sweet soul that this world wasn’t ready for. He felt things deeply and profoundly. 

Ricky is survived by his loving mother, Leila Fondo (Jeremy Tumlin), father, Richard Fondo (Carolyn), and siblings, Lauren, Conner and Noah, as well as his nieces, Selena and Aurora. Ricky also had a loving extended family including his great-grandmother, Elizabeth Larkin; and grandparents, Kim Meleady (Patrick), Hazel Fondo, and Richard McDougal (Kathleen). 

Ricky was very close to his aunt/godmother, Jen Miller (Jeff) and their children, Andrew and Alex, his aunt, Kathy Maldonado (Nestor) and Kathy’s child Makayla, and his uncle, Lee McDougal and his child, Millie James. He also had a special relationship with Shannon Newton (Jamie) and their children Riley and Tucker. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ricky’s honor to either WestBridge Recovery Opportunity Fund or Tennessee Chattanooga Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). Donations to the WestBridge Recovery Opportunity Fund can be made online at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/westbridge-recovery-opportunity-fund.  Donations to ACT can be sent by check to Tennessee Chattanooga ACT, 5751 Uptain Road, Suite 102, Chattanooga, TN 37411. Please include in the note section that the donation is in honor of Ricky Fondo. 

The family will be having a celebration of Ricky’s life for family and friends at a later time. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Center of Chattanooga. 1345 Hickory Valley Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421. 423.362.5999.