Richard Rochowicz Obituary

Missing you and thinking of you today and always...Happy birthday, Pops

Two years went by with the blink of an eye. My heart is still heavy and a tear is brought to my eye everytime I see your photo or hear someone mention your name. As promised my children continue to learn of their Grandpa Rock and the wonderful family foundation he has laid. Even though you never met your newest Grandaughter Malley, she will learn to know you through all the great memories and stories that you left behind.

Love You Always

Happy Birthday in heaven...
Miss you and think of you everyday. Your memory has not faded, I continue to teach my kids about the wonderful Grandpa that they have looking down on them.

A year ago today my life changed forever. I lost my my mentor, my hero and my friend. I was not sure how I would would cope with this loss, but Dad taught me how to be a survivor.
Dad, I miss you and grieve every day. I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and call you for reassurance that I was doing some task right (or wrong). Time heals all wounds, however I still feel the pain as if your passing was yesterday. The Lake is a different place without you, however it is the place where I feel your presence the most. I love The Lake as much as you did, and will try to carry out your legacy. Rest in peace, Dad until we meet again.

Dad,

Today we spread your ashes into Bass Lake as you wished. We will all feel your presence every time we enter these waters. I love and miss you dearly. Please keep us safe in these cherished waters that have brought so many fond memories.

Miis you Pal...

ps. take care of my pooch

Dear Kerri and Rochowicz Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was such a nice and patient man. Meaning hauling all of us girls up to the summer home...me, you, and the Corley girls. Please also tell the rest of your family how deeply sorry I am to hear of your fathers passing. He will forever remain in the hearts of everyone's lives he has touched.

Kerri,I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It has been a very long time since I have seen or spoken to you. But as a fellow Cobra and Southsider - and all the years we spent hanging around I felt the need to express my deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your father was a wonderful man; always there for us kids when we needed a ride here & there. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Dear Betty and Family~
Today marks one month that your dearly beloved Husband, Father, and Grandpa entered into eternal life. Yesterday was Father's Day and we know, firsthand, how sad that day is for those of us who have lost a loved one. Rich's memory and loving spirit shine brightly as the candle we lit in Church in remembrance of him. May God bless you and keep all of you safely in the palm of His hands. We love you,

Kerri-
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He will always be with you through your cherished memories. My prayers are with you and your family.

Betty,Wendy,Skippy,Elly,Kerri,Shane and all the precious little ones, the man is gone, but his spirit and his love live on in everyone of you. Rocky was a man of strength,integrity,passion and compassion. He did not know how to say no to a person in need and there are many of us who are grateful for that fact. He worked for us, with us and because of us and that will never be forgotten. What I will remember, to get me through the sadness and the loss of this great man, is the way his eyes lit up when his grandchildren were in his sight and the pride he had for his three babies and the love he had for his wife. We are better people for having had him in our life and we will miss him very much.
All of our love,
Ed & Ei

Kerri & The Rochowicz Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We feel blessed to have known your father. He will be in our hearts forever.

Dear Betty and family,
We're so sorry to hear about Rich. Words can't express the sorrow we feel. We'll never forget the happy,fun times we had at Twin Lakes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denny & Marcia Markovich

Kerri, Shane, and the Rochowicz family,
Our deepest condolences in your time of loss. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
DJ & Maureen

Dear Rich,
We just heard about the loss of your Dad and we are sorry we missed the services. We hope that happy memories will comfort you during this time and know that your Dad is on his next journey. God Bless you our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hey Roch,

So sorry to hear about your dad. Always remember the good times you had with him. Pass along condolences to the rest of your family. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Betty, Kerri and family,
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our memories of Rich go back to the years our girls spent together on the softball fields at St. Francis. Rich always had a friendly smile and was a very proud "softball dad." May the happy memories and wonderful stories you share in the days ahead bring you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,

Dear Rochowicz Family,

When we look in the dictionary under integrity, character, friend and role model there should be a picture of Papa Roch. He is a great man, a great father and will be missed by many. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to your family.

Memories of Rocky,
We were neighbors in the back row first.The kids were little and it was scary staying in the park during the week in the back row.I always felt safe knowing when Rocky was there.
A truckload of gravel after my septic repair...there he was with his shovel.I moved to the front row,so did Rocky and Betty,again my neighbors.I now knew that Mom would be watched over during the week.So many memories.....
Alot of laughter, "Who Let The Dogs Out", an all time favorite.
My last memory was 2 weeks ago.
The compassion One Man had when he himself was facing death, insisted on paying his last respects to my Mom. His last words to Rich and I were,
"If there is anything you need,
just Call Me".
A familiar phrase to us all.
Our Prayers will be with you.
Rich and Peggy

To all the Rochowicz's, my heart feels for you at this dark moment in your lives.Rich became like a second father to me.A person I looked-up to and admired.He taught me alot about life in "Rannels Park";water pumps,trailer maintenance etc.One of the first things I learned was if someone needed help,get over there and give them a hand.Richard,you should be very proud to carry your father's name.Follow his lead and you too will be a well loved man.Stay up buddy,and know that I'm always here for you to lean on!!- PP(bread & butter)

Kerri, Shane and the entire Rochowicz family. My family and myself are so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. I will always remember Mr. Rochowicz as your biggest and loudest fan! May God bless you. You are all in my prayers. Love to your family.

Dear Rochowicz Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss of Rich. He and I both worked at "Old Area Three." I will always remember him as a fine detective and a real gentleman.
Sincerely,
Jerry Slattery

Dear Rochowicz Family,

I have only had the blessing of know Rock since acquiring property at Bass Lake about 7 years ago. He made all of my trips to the lake a pleasure. He was great to visit with and he always made me feel good about being a part of the Rannells Park family. As a mother with two children and a husband always traveling, it was comforting to know that he was there, at the park, if I need anything. I will truly miss him.

As a former desk officer at Area#3 I had the pleasure to work with Rich we shared one thing in commonn as a former World War II veteran Rich served in the Air Force we exchanged war stories I thanked him for his service to the Air Force I worked the midnight shift steady and was able to catch him whenever he worked the Midnight shift Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of a true Patriot a Soldier, Policeman who served his Country as well the City of Chicago God Bless the Rochowicy Family.

God Bless You, Rich. A/3 Forever! You were one of the best ever.

Our deepest condolences to Betty and the family. Rich was a friendly neighbor who was engaged with life around him and he LOVED to talk about his grandchildren!

Dear Betty,Rich, Wendy, Carrie and families...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...We will miss Rocky very much...He was a good friend to Tom and I...

Deb& Tom Smith
(Bass Lake)

To all of the Rochowicz Family:

Although Rocky didn't officially become part of our family until Elly and Rich got married, he was very much a part of our family well before then. I can barely remember a time before I knew Rocky and his beautiful family and am very grateful that they have been such a wonderful family to my sister and her children.

I know that all of you are in pain now, and I wish I could take that away from you. Unfortunately, we all know too well that the pain will only lessen with time. What I can do is offer my love and prayers and support in any way that you need me. My hope is that somehow that will make this very difficult time pass even just a tiny bit easier.

Hold onto each other and your many happy memories and know that he is in a better place without anymore pain.

With Love,
Domani Maria Tripam

To the Rochowicz Family

My deepest condolonces to you during your time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Keith Blair

Shane/Kerri decided to build a new house (twice!!!), Mr. Rochowicz to the rescue. Shane needed a room painted, Mr. Rochowicz to the rescue after Shane attempted to help, but pained the window. “Don’t you have somewhere to be”, he said. Shane and I went golfing, yep, we had somewhere to be…just tell Kerri I helped, Shane said. Then finally, Shane had a whole basement that needed to be built-out, Mr. Rochowicz (and Rich) to the rescue.

Thank you for taking care of my brother and being such an inspiration and “Roch” to all while you were here. The lessons that you taught on a daily basis will be “lived-on” by the many people you touched.

……Rich, Shane, and I won’t need a 4th for the Bass Lake Golf Outing, you will be with us, telling us what we did wrong on each shot. :-)

Kerri and Family:

So very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May all the good and happy memories you shared with your Dad help you through the diffiuclt days ahead.

Grandpa,
I will miss you so very much. Everyone is so greatful of all the things you did for them.We all love you and miss you very much.We are all sad you had to leave us.

Love,
Kate

Dear Rochowicz Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Mr. Rochowicz was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed.

To the Rochowic Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Betty, Wendy, Richard, Kerri,

We know the past few weeks have been very difficult, but in relfecting back it has made us think of what a truly wonderful man Rich was. With all he was going through I can't remember once when I heard him say "Why me God". He didn't feel sorry for himself but instead fought to stay with you for as long as he could. His faith was astounding and I'm sure he felt great pride in knowing that he instilled that faith in his children and grand children before he left this earth. He was a true family man who made his #1 priority his wife, kids and grandkids and who was always willing to help others as he did his family. I don't ever remember him refusing a request for help if someone needed it. And of course while Rich did love to work he also enjoyed having some good healthy fun as we all know. Who can forget "Mr Net" scaring the "Sicko Sisters" and then squirting them with warm water out the bedroom window. Or the hours and hours he spent on the lakefront and in the boat teaching the kids to ski. I could go on and on but the bottom line is that your husband and dad was a wonderful person and we are truly grateful for being able to have had him as our friend. We will always love him and will never forget him.

Al & Diane McCrae

PS I know he is up there right now, tools in hand, telling St Peter that the Pearly Gates are squeeking and he's going to fix it for him.

To the Rochowicz Family,

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Rochowicz family. It obvious Rocky was a strong positive influence on many at Rannels Park and the OPPO Boat and Skis Club. You always knew where you stood with him and no project was to big or to small for him to tackle. He let you know when you screwed up, but also patted you on the back, for a job well done, when it was called for and encouraged you to keep it up. He will be truly missed by many. Our prayers are with you.

Dear Betty and Family

I consider myself lucky to include you among my circle of friends. Rich was a giving, caring person. He had a warm heart and a mind that always detected all of the subtleties of an idea or thought. He was such a family man, and it was a delight to watch. I will hold you all in my prayers and heart. Theresa Fortuna

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!...Time will heal!

With Sympathy,
Joe & Heidi Panici

To the Rochowicz Family, Rich always made everyone feel very welcome to the park, so long as you did your part. He will be sorely missed by all. The Czajkowski and Kruse families.

Rochowicz Family
Rocky was not only a friend of our family's but was like an uncle to me growing up. He will be missed dearly and I know that whenever life gets tough he will be up in heaven pushing me forward. My thoughts, prayers, friendship and love is with all of you.
Love Sara Dioguardi and Family

To many he is 'Rocky', but to me he will always be Mr. Rochowicz. He echoed of pride and demanded respect without saying a word. When he told you what to do, you listened, no matter what. Just the thought of doing him wrong was a little nerve racking. This month we lost two very influential people at the lake, and it will not be the same without them. My heart and prayers are with you all just as yours were for me and my family.
With love, Jill Armstrong and family

Rich, Ellie & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rich and Family:
Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Sometimes the why is never answered but that won't change the love and the great memories that have made up your lives. Keep your Dad in your memories and he will live forever in your hearts.
Love always, Matt, Debbie, Ryan and Billy

Well, Mr. Net, I hope God and the rest of heaven is ready for you. I know "Shirley" will be. God bless you for all the laughs, love and good times we had with you.
Whenever we hear thunder anymore, we will know it is you doing some project in heaven. You and all your family will be in our constant prayers. Love you, Dave and Eileen

To the Rochowicz Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength in the memories you share of Rocky.

Dear Betty and children:
Rich, when you get up into eternal
heaven and you converse with the
gate keeper let him know your past
life credentials. Then since he is
aware everything you have said is
l00% factual he automatically will
walk you up in the church of the
Almighty to the front pew which he
has decided this is how you earned
it through whole giving life.
You are in our thoughts and we are
right next door if we can help.
Don & Gladys Schroer
Orland Park, Il.

Mrs. Rochowicz, Rich, Wendy and Kerri,

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rochowicz was a good man who helped & taught me things from the time he was our boy scout leader, until I made the Police Department. I have heard nothing but good things about Mr. R here in the Personnel Division.
Your family is in my prayers.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rochowicz family during your time of grief.

Rich and Entire Rochowicz Family,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. "Mr. Rock" will always be an influence in my life. Words may not bring you peace and comfort, but God can and will.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Bobby & Kristy Oliver

Betty, Wendy, Lil Rock, Kerry and all of his family. We just wanted you to know that we are better people today because we had the opportunity to have had such a talented, piller of strength, and awesome man as a friend at the lake, he would never say no to anyone who needed a helping hand, from a little child to a eldery person. He was the rock of the park, he kept control of everything, and he had such a knack of being stern and yet getting his point across and then turn and share a beer or a pop with you and still knew you had a good friend. He ran the park with a iron fist and a loving heart. He followed his dream and bought the park with 4 others so he could make sure his dreams would be perserved for all of his family and extended family and friends to share for many, many years to come. We respected Rich, We admired Rich and most of all We loved Rich for being a friend and comming to my rescue. Our family sends all our love and prayers, and may God hold you in the palms of his hands and hold you tight to get you through such a difficult time. Rich will always be remembered, celebrated and loved by the Deuerling Family. We will miss that white fishing hat he wore as he patrolled the lake front, to keep it safe for all of us. We miss you already Rich.
Andy, Pat, Chris, Kim, Andy, Pam and Briana.
Rannells Park, IN (Chicago, IL)

Dear Wendy& Richard,I am so sorry to hear about uncle, Rich I send my deepest sympathy.
Love Your cousin Kathy Rochowicz(schmidt),You uncle Hanks daughter.

Betty, Wendy, Rich, and Kerri
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel today. I think of all the fun times our families have had together at bass lake and smile. Your dad was such a wonderful man. He touched more hearts than you even know. I know he has put a lasting impression on mine and my children. He was such a kind and generous man and that was very much appreciated. Memories of all the good times at bass lake will carry us through this difficult time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Stay strong and know that I love you all.
Kerry Palider

Wendy and Family
I am so sorry about your loss your dad was a great guy. My prayers are with you at this terrible time.

Mel and I heard from Peggy and Rich on the way to the lake. The flag on the beach has been at half-mast all weekend. Everyone down here has been very somber and melancholy. Rocky will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his friendliness and firmness. Our thoughts are with the entire family, especially Rich, Kerri, Wendy, and Betty.

To Richard's Family
I want to express to you my most
heartfelt sympathy for your loss
of such a caring,loving person.
Richard will surely be missed by
everyone whose lives he touched
in many ways.God bless You.

David and Carol Mirowski

Dear Betty, Wendy, Rich and Kerri,

Our deepest condolences at this time. Your family was such good neighbors and all the fun times we had at Bass Lake. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mick, Sharon, John and John Jr. Murphy
Jenny and Ben Vales

Dear Betty,

I was so sorry to hear about Rich's death. While there must be some relief that he is no longer suffering, I am sure the pain and loss you are feeling are overwhelming. With love and prayers for you and your family. Marge Murphy

Dear Kerri and Rochowicz Family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest condolences at this very difficult time.

Sincerly,

Jenni Thanos & Family.

Dad,

To the strongest, bravest, and most crafty person I ever met. You could fix everything from a broken child's toy to the most complex piece of machinery. The simple sound of a power tool would make you come running to lend a helping hand.

You touched the hearts of all who met you. I was always in awe how your eyes would light up at the sight of your grandkids and how your strong hands were always so gentle with them. I will assure you that they will never forget you and how you love them so dearly.

You are my, idol, my inspiration and my mentor. I always took such pride in the fact that people would say how much I looked, acted, and had the same mannerisms as you. As a kid, I always wanted to be like you, and as time went, to this present day, that quest still remains.

I made certain that as you left this life you had your hammer in your hand so that you could make heaven just that much more perfect for the rest of us.

Dad, I love you and miss you already, please continue to look down on us.

Until we meet again...

To Betty and the Entire Rochowicz Family ~
Stan, Michael and I offer our deep condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather and our friend. We have kept you in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so. We share in your monumental loss of a truly remarkable human being. Rich was a wonderful man who loved his family very much and that love "spilled" over to anyone who knew him. The entire Rochowicz family is an exemplary model of what every family should be like. Betty and Rich invited and accepted everyone into their home. We were always made to feel welcome, just as though we were one of their own. May God bless all of you and give you continued strength during these difficult days ahead. Please know that our lives are better because we knew your husband and dad. To Rich ~ farewell friend, we will miss you. Godspeed as you become Heaven's newest citizen...
Love you all,
Helen, Stan & Michael Rzasa

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.I will always remember the good times ,the laughs and hard work we shared.I can still hear him laugh everytime I hit my fingers with a hammer.
Betty, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Sammy

Dear Wendy and the Rochowicz Family,
I am so so sorry for your lost. I hope the many happy memories you have will guide you through this lost. Love Kathy Lederer Kirsch and family

Our Deepest sympathy to the Rochowicz family Dee & Fuzz Binka

With deepest condolences from your old neighbors.

The Klemm Family