Richard Rodriguez Ochoa

"They loved each other because

everything around them willed it,

the trees and the clouds and the sky over their

heads and the earth under their feet." ~ Dr. Zhivago

Richard Rodriguez Ochoa, born February 23, 1946, loved with an indomitable, unyielding spirit; for to him, love was worth every joy and every heartache. Love was the journey to being fully awakened and connected to those he spent his life with. There was nothing of more value, and more worth celebration and sacrifice than family. His love was transformative. "It healed our hearts in times of loss, soothed our minds in times of uncertainty, inspired compassion, grace, and sowed the seeds of our bond as a family in a deeply, meaningful way. If love is the greatest thing we can do in life, then to us, Dad was one of the greatest men to walk the earth."

Born to Aurora and Ernesto Ochoa in San Antonio, Texas, Rick grew up as one of nine siblings. He reminisced of stories in his youth as an altar boy at San Fernando Cathedral, and weekends spent playing football with his brothers at San Pedro Park. In 1964, he graduated high school at Fox Tech, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Rick was barely in his twenties when he enlisted in the Army, assigned to an Air Calvary Unit. From 1966-1967, he was stationed in Germany, and in December 1967, returned home before leaving to Vietnam. It was a time of uncertainty for many, but Rick was valiant in his commitment to serve; and in doing so, gave comfort and friendship to other young men called into difficult times. While in Vietnam, he was assigned to flight operations, and flew helicopters. Rick received the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery, valor, and honor. He later joined The National Guard.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Rick fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Norma, in the Spring of 1969. For 48 years, he stood by her side, held her hand, and said, whatever you need sweetheart, I'm here. Sometimes he said it in words, but more often in actions, where it counted the most. He became the father to her toddler, Michael, who he loved so deeply that there was nothing he wouldn't do or sacrifice to be the dad Michael deserved. Sadly, Michael passed in 2014, and that devastating loss of their only son would never entirely heal.

With the births of their two girls, Nicole and Tiffani, whom he lovingly referred to as his little "munchkins," and "princesses," the joy of his world expanded. The bond between father and daughter was strong. "We could count on Dad for anything, and he'd light the way for us in life, so that nothing was too far out of reach."

Rick and Norma shared a powerful love. They worked fiercely to build a life for their children and future grandchildren. There were countless celebrations shared as a family, and when one of them was hurt, the rest of the family came together. That's the enormity of the legacy left behind, and the one that will be carried on because of their parents' love.

Rick retired from a 30-year career as a Supervisor for the State Department of Health and Human Services, and by 2002, he and Norma joined forces in real estate. They celebrated many successes and made many dear friendships throughout.

The role of grandparent was especially significant. Known affectionately as "Papa" to his seven grandchildren, he was ever present in their lives. Ask one of them about Papa, and their eyes light up. He attended every game, performance, and school event. He cheered every milestone and achievement. Group hugs could bring a room to tears if you had the privilege to witness such an inpenetrable bond. His grandchildren, all exceptional in his eyes, know the depth of Papa's love, because he never denied them. They miss Papa immensely, but he is and will always be embedded in the fabric of their being; for he is part of them, and they are part of him, everlasting.

Rick's legacy is one of grace, selflessness, and faith. He believed in the power of God and prayer. His gentle courage was a force to illuminate the world. Rick embodied a genuine charm and kindness that radiated outward to everyone he met. There was an extraordinary humility in which he pursued life and love.

Rick was a happy man, a man who lived fully, who laughed often from the depth of his belly, who loved hugs and enjoyed football and Spurs watching with his son-in-laws. He led a full life, and he gave far more than he ever asked for in return.

"As his family, we are devastated without our Patriarch. It wasn't fair how we lost him, but he knows we fought with all our might to save him. Now, as we surrender to his passing with respect for the great man he was and will always be in our hearts, we say to you Dad, Papa, Honey, love of our lives: You are so deeply missed. You are unconditionally loved. You are never too far for we hold you in our hearts forever. To us, you are the greatest dad, the greatest papa, the greatest husband, and your love will carry on through each of us until we see each other again; and we will, someday! We love you!"

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Norma; daughters, Nicole Ochoa Malesky and husband Michael; Tiffani Ochoa Escobar and husband Elliot; daughter-in-law, Natalie Robertson and husband Troy; grandchildren Victoria Lugo and husband Alex; Michael Anthony Ochoa II, Sydney Ochoa, Leo Malesky, Liam Malesky, Easton Escobar and Brody Escobar, as well as his brothers and sisters; Diane Villareal, Ernesto Ochoa, Celestino Ochoa, Mary Alice Chavarria, Bob Ochoa, Gary Ochoa, Alfred Ochoa, and Jim Ochoa. Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Aurora and Ernesto Ochoa, parents-in-law Maria and Malcolm Leroy Daughterty, and son, Michael Anthony Ochoa.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 11, 2022. The Rosary/ Eulogy will begin at 9 am at San Fernando Cathedral located at 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, followed by Mass at 10 am. Parking is available along the plaza on S. Flores going east. Concluding Mass, a procession will begin to Fort Sam Houston; where a ceremony, with full honors, will follow. A Procession will depart from Porter Loring Mortuary North on March 11, 2022 at 8:15am. Anyone wishing to participate in the procession should arrive at Porter Loring no later than 8am.

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