Richard Keys Ochs

Richard was born to Louesa Keys and Richard Marshall January 13, 1932 in Streator Illinois.

He grew up in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois with his mother and beloved step-father, Herman Ochs. Graduating from Normal High School in 1949, he went on to the University of Illinois, joining their Army ROTC program.  After commissioning, he trained at Ft. Devins, Mass. and was assigned to the National Security Agency, at Arlington Hall, in Washington.  He fulfilled his Army obligation and joined NSA as a civilian employee, enjoying a variety of assignments. Perhaps his favorite was as Chief of the Television Center at the National Cryptologic School.  He retired from that position in the late 80s.

After a few more years working as a government contractor, Richard retired to his home in Ellicott City, MD. There he became a super dad to his youngest daughter, Abigail Arnold-Ochs, attended the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, and traveled within the U.S., Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia with his wife, often to visit his youngest daughter or to join SSS Ski Club friends on ski and bike and barge trips.

Richard had a love of music from classical to country, and a love of theatre. From a young age he participated in plays and musicals in high school and then in community theatres in the Washington area. He was president of the Little Theatre of Alexandria, in VA, where he acted in several shows. He also directed, built sets and did whatever job needed doing.  His favorite roles were as El Gallo in The Fantasticks and John Adams in 1776.

Richard was pre-deceased by his sister Jean Ochs Crawford of CA and, is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan Arnold; his brothers: John and wife Dee of FL and Tom and wife Helen of FL; his five children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and too many nieces and nephews to name. He was so proud of his children: Richard (Mike) Ochs and wife Deborah of VA; Colleen Ochs and husband Dan Potter of FL; Robert Ochs and wife Donna of VA; Darrin Ochs and wife Jennifer of MD; and Abigail Arnold-Ochs of CA.  He delighted in his eight grandchildren: Walter Davis, IV and fiancee Suzanne Morton of VA; Jeremy Davis and fiancée Heather Hart of FL; Cadence Heden and husband David Heden of VA; Heather Miller of VA; Tessa Ochs-Boyd and husband Nathan Boyd of VA; Richard Ochs of PA; Warren Ochs of VA; and Pamela Ochs of WV. He loved his great grandchildren: Cierra and Mason Davis of VA; Tyler Davis of VA; Madison Davis of TX; Blaine, Evan, and Trevor Heden of VA; Quentin and Brogan Miller of VA.  Richard’s new found affection for dogs resulted from knowing his two grand - dogs Pukka and Monte Arnold-Ochs and dog neighbor Milo Ross.

Richard will be well remembered for his intelligence, wry wit, sparkling smile, and generosity of spirit.  He will be dearly missed as a good neighbor, devoted husband, and loving father.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Helping Up Mission                                   OR            Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake

1029 East Baltimore Street                                         3741 Commerce Drive, Suite 309                                           

Baltimore, MD 21202                                                  Baltimore, MD 21227

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11:00am on January 4 at the Lutheran Village at

Millers Grant. 9000 Fathers Legacy Ellicott City, MD

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