Richard "Dick" Edward Boza

Richard “Dick” Boza passed away comfortably on Saturday, December 13 in Orlando, Florida, where he had just celebrated his 92nd birthday. He leaves behind his son, Rick; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Boza, and beloved wife of 52 years, Kay.

Born December 9, 1933, near Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Dick grew up in poverty. Throughout his school years, he worked mornings and evenings on the largest nearby farm to help support the family. His father, William, worked as a coal miner and sharecropper, and his mother, Helen, raised eight children at home — Dick being the youngest.

His life was one of constant service to others. Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and was stationed as a Corporal in Japan during the Korean War. Upon his discharge and return to the States, he settled in New York and became a Patrolman on the Nassau County Police Department. Dick earned numerous awards including those for Lifesaving and Meritorious Action. Even after all the years, he is remembered fondly by co-workers and peers.

It was in Great Neck, New York, that Dick met Katherine “Kay” Cheosky and they married in 1960. They settled in Levittown for a few years and later moved to Port Washington, New York, to start a family. After more than 20 years with Nassau County, Dick retired and opened a small hauling business: You Call, We Haul. His community involvement continued with volunteer service at his local church, St. Peter of Alcantara; the Boy Scouts of America; the Police Pulaski Association; and countless other fraternal or religious organizations.

The Boza family moved to Orlando in 1988, where, only one year later, tragedy struck — Dick’s daughter Lisa died in an auto accident. Together Dick and Kay rallied and sought support from The Compassionate Friends, a nonprofit organization formed to support grieving parents. Dick and Kay progressed to leading the local chapter, and in this role touched many lives by helping others through the grieving process.

Restless with retirement, Dick returned to the workforce and spent 10 years as a civilian employee with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. His responsibilities included performing background checks and administering training for Civil Process. True to his nature of volunteerism, he got involved with the Fraternal Order of Police, eventually rising to president of the organization. Dick also contributed his professional experience to Walt Disney World’s Security department as a part-time Cast Member.

Within Orlando’s faith community, Dick and Kay volunteered at Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine, where for more than 20 years they helped organize and support the 9:30 a.m. mass every Sunday. Throughout the most recent 10 years, Dick continued seeking opportunities to help others which included joining and coordinating activities for Nassau Blue, a fraternal organization for retired police from Nassau County, New York.

A warm and outgoing person with a terrific sense of humor, Dick found great joy in the parties Kay hosted at their home, going on cruises, and celebrating special occasions with dinners out. True to his roots he cheered on the New York Mets, and regularly drove north to his much loved Pennsylvania where he visited his niece, Joyce, and her husband Ron in Lancaster. Everyone who knows him would agree what Dick enjoyed above and beyond all else was bringing laughter and happiness to others. Dick also loved tending to his garden and landscaping at home, and while out and about, he would almost always be seen in attire reflecting his pride in the Marine Corps and his various law enforcement organizations.

Throughout Dick’s life he was guided by principles of service to others, offering leadership, and devotion to family and friends. His kindness and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m. and from 6 - 8 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Family Funeral Care.

Arrangements are being handled by Family Funeral Care, 13001 S. John Young Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32837 (407) 812-4200.