El profesor Ochoa, en mi perspectiva fue un gran hombre que hasta su final nunca dejó de abogar por lo que él creía que era lo correcto. Muchas gracias por todo profesor Ochoa. Dios lo lleve en su gloria 🙏🏼

My condolences to Gregorio’s family on his passing, after a very full life!  He served the people of the valley as a revered counselor and educator, who helped to train the current and future generation of professionals to carry on his work.  He was a valued colleague to me, and I always enjoyed his visits in my office.  His sense of humor was legendary, and we shared an exasperation for the foibles and dysfunction of our medical system.  One day he called me from the sidewalk in front of my clinic, stating that he had arrived 15 minutes early for his first of the morning appointment , as instructed, but found the doors of the clinic locked.  While waiting for the doors to open, he received a call from the reception staff stating that he was late for his check-in time and would have to reschedule.  We got it straightened out, but it gave us a fine chuckle.
Your days of dealing with the system are over, my friend, and I hope that in heaven you are able to enjoy “the whole enchilada.”
Rest in Peace, Gregorio!

Touched the lives of so many in the most positive way. What an incredible man he was. Rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord, Mr. Ochoa.

Mr. Ochoa  was the kind of professor who didn’t simply teach—he changed lives. His passion for teaching sparked a fire in every student he reached, and his impact extended far beyond the classroom into the many communities he served. The life experiences and wisdom he so openly shared with us have stayed with me and continue to guide me in the advocacy work I do for my community. You truly became more than a professor; you became a mentor, Mr. Ochoa. I am forever grateful for the lessons, the “consejos,” and the passion you instilled in so many of us. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in each and every heart you touched and in the lives of the students and communities you helped shape. Rest in peace, Mr. Ochoa. Your impact will never be forgotten.

Gregorio was a dedicated mentor to me and a tremendous advocate for students and faculty.  His love of teaching was apparent in everything he did.  He taught at Heritage until his 90th year! I continue to get messages from students about the impact he had on their careers, and he will be remembered long into the future.

It was transformative to see someone that looked like me teaching in the classroom. You encouraged and inspired me to pursue an MSW and become a MSW (Mexican Social Worker), as you always said. You will be so greatly missed and the legacy you left will live on with all the social workers that you taught, mentored and inspired. Muchas gracias, Mr. Ochoa. Que descanse en paz.

Your stories moved me and grew my excitement about becoming a social worker. Your words during our class sessions gave me confidence that I, too, could be an advocate and not allow society to be a hindrance to creating change. When I think of you and the impact you’ve had on me, what stands out most is your strength, growth, fearlessness, and kindness.

I feel so lucky to be able to stay that I was able to learn from you.  Rest in peace Mr.Ochoa

His commitment to helping students combine competency in social work with appreciation for their own heritage was an outstanding example of great university educators. I appreciated his honest friendship over many years. May God’s loving arms surround him in his new life!
My warm prayers for the family!

Appreciated his leadership in our time working together at Heritage U. His legacy lives on in his former students as they bring that same compassion into their work across our communities.

OBITUARY

Gregory James Ochoa Jr.

November 20, 1934 – August 13, 2026

Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home

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