Richard Alexander Ochs died peacefully on February 28, 2025 at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida, with his family by his side.
Born on February 3, 1930 in Hudson, New York, Dick was the son of Alexander Henry and Thelma (Reynolds) Ochs. He grew up in Chatham, New York and was a 1947 graduate of Chatham High School. Following high school, Dick spent a year in Washington, D.C. at the Coast Guard’s Hilder Prep School.
In 1948 Dick married Regina Russell and they moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts where they raised their family. Dick began his 42-year-long career with General Electric Company, starting as an apprentice draftsman and advancing to senior designer. He retired from General Electric in 1990 to dedicate his time to caring for his beloved wife Regina until her death in 1992.
In 1993 Dick met Marian (Gray) Greenleaf and they were married later that year. In 2002 they moved to Hawthorne Retirement Community in Leesburg, FL. Dick and Marian enjoyed 25 years together until Marian’s death in 2019.
Dick’s passion was always his family. As a totally engaged dad, he enthusiastically planned family outings, camping trips, summer evening lake swims, and backyard games and barbecues. He would also lead family hikes on the Appalachian Trail, and would take his family on scenic drives to enjoy the fall colors of New England.
During Dick’s retirement years in Florida with Marian, he played tennis and golf, chaired the Hawthorne Kitchen Band, and was a member of the Hawthorne Boat Club. He and Marian traveled extensively, cruising to Hawaii and the Caribbean in addition to road trips out west.
Those he left behind will carry fond memories of his dedication to family life, his enjoyment of sharing a good meal with family and friends, and his great sense of humor that lifted everyone’s spirits. He will be greatly missed, and always remembered.
Dick is survived by his five children with Regina: Richard Jr. (Martha) of Westfield, MA, Audrey Sepe of Sedona, AZ, Patricia Cuzzone (Stephen) of Leesburg, FL, Lorraine Kelleher of Schenectady, NY, and Kathleen Sakshaug of Pittsfield, MA. Dick also leaves behind ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Dick is also remembered with love by Marian’s daughters Jane Cheney (Gregg) of Templeton, MA, and Joyce Greenleaf (Michael Fallon) of Southborough, MA, and three step-grandchildren.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Thelma, his first wife Regina, his second wife Marian, his sister Betty Jane Ochs Van Beusichem (2003), his sons-in-law Paul Kelleher (2023) and Michael Sepe (2024), and his stepsons, Robert Greenleaf (2019) and David Greenleaf (2021).
Memorial services honoring Dick will be held at a later date in Florida and in Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778.