Obituary of Richard Valentine Ochs Jr.

Richard Valentine Ochs, Jr., 84, formerly of Lucinda, PA passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Cranberry Place in Cranberry Township. Richard Valentine Ochs, Jr., proud father of Richard Ochs III (wife Deanna Ochs), and grandfather of Elizabeth and Isabella went home to our Heavenly Father and his beloved wife Mary on May 15, 2024. Richard (Rit) was born in Lucinda on August 30, 1939, to Richard Sr and Ann Ochs. He grew up on the farm just behind the property where he later built his family's home. He was an active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, was educated at Saint Joseph's school in Lucinda, and married his beloved wife Mary on June 23, 1962. He worked for White's Appliances and later he and Mary bought and managed the business. After closing the store, he worked as a television repairman and before retirement, worked for Knox Township. He worked hard his entire life to support his family and was known for his ability to "tinker" and fix most anything. Rit was a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and Godfather to all those who dearly miss him. He was quick with a smile, a joke or a wave and to offer a beer. He loved to sit and catch up on the town happenings, politics, or the economy with friends and family or anyone who would sit a while. Rit enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, billiards, "500 Bid", hosting "Renew", Pirates baseball and all outdoor life. He was a lifetime member of the Antler Club in Lucinda. He also enjoyed gambling trips to the Casino. Later, while limited in his mobility, he still enjoyed a cruise around in his car. Most of the time, you could find him in his garage listening to the Sunday morning polka show or watching the game and waving to his neighbors and passersby. He had a nickname for most everyone and a funny phrase (Ritterism) for most situations. Even after suffering a stroke in 2022 which robbed him of clear communication, he still used those often. Rit is survived by his son Richard (Deanna) Ochs, and granddaughters Lizzie and Ella, sister Ann (John) Slike, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rita Ochs, Edward Steiner, Pauline Starkey, Henry (Cathy) Lencer, Frank (Dode) Lencer, Teresa (Larry) Cyphert, Barb Karg, and Irene Lencer. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary, brother Harold Ochs, sister Miriam Steiner, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Rose (Joe) Clark, Sister Josephine Lencer, Angeline Lencer, George Karg, Tony Lencer. The family will receive visitors at Borland-Ensminger Funeral Home in Leeper on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday May 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Lucinda with Rev. Cory Pius, Parochial Vicar, as celebrant. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Saint Joseph Church in Lucinda.