Ricky’s Early Life & Introduction to Law Enforcement

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Ricky Dever, a Sergeant on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, was stabbed to death in Charlestown on March 19, 2005. Ricky came to the aid of a friend and tried to keep the peace in a Charlestown bar. This was not out of character for Ricky to help a friend. What Ricky did best was to make and keep friends.

His friendship was solid and unconditional, and it wasn't something he worked on; it came naturally. He had an exciting presence, a smile, a wave, a hug, a big heart, and a contagious zest for life. To know Ricky was to love him. Ricky was taken from us far too early, but his memory will last forever.

Ricky Dever was a disciple of Mark Charbonnier. Their lives mirrored each other in so many ways. They grew up together a few hundred feet apart on Meeting House Hill in Dorchester. They both attended St. Peter's Grammar School and Don Bosco High School and graduated from college. They pursued careers in law enforcement and were slain in the prime of their life.

During those happy formative years in the '70s and '80s, Mark and Ricky spent countless hours together at Ronan Park. Ricky idolized Mark as we all did, and he was the perfect mentor to Ricky. Mark was a born leader: quiet, serious, goal-oriented, and a shining light in the neighborhood. Everyone knew he was headed for great success. Ricky, one of the younger kids, was curious, impressionable, and always laughing and smiling. Mark would not only protect Ricky but would lead him down the right path. He showed him what true friendship meant, and that education was the gateway to a good job and success.

Mark Charbonnier and Ricky Dever had come a long way together, and they accomplished much in their short lives, and both made the ultimate sacrifice. Now they are together forever in eternity. They were good, decent young men who made a difference in this world.

Their legacies will carry on! In the Garden of Peace behind the State House are beautiful commemorative river stones engraved with Mark and Ricky's names set side by side. Their memories will live on in the people who love them and in those who continue to carry on in their tradition of service.

To remember Ricky, please go to www.legacy.com/bostonglobe/gb/guestbookview.aspx?personid=3317444.com