Richard F. Hotchkiss died peacefully at home in Lakeland, FL surrounded by loving family on November 30, 2014.
Born June 26, 1933 on Long Island, NY to Frances L. Hotchkiss and Jennie Gray Hotchkiss. During his lifetime he wore many hats: He proudly served as a Seaman in the US Navy 1951-1954 on the USS New Kent (APA 217), Electrician (Frank Hotchkiss, Inc), Electrical Contractor, Restaurant owner (“The White Whale”, East Moriches, LI, NY). We will most remember him as a gentle, loving man who adored his family and was a loyal friend. He was so smart and so talented. His hands could mold trash into treasure. In his own quiet way he was a trendsetter, a “Mister Gadget”. He owned one of the first Hybrid cars (which is still going strong) before they were popular.
He loved the water and owned several boats during his lifetime. He loved being the Captain of his own boat and was proud to take us all out for rides. His wish was to be buried at sea. His wish will be granted. His ashes will be sent out to sea on an active Naval ship and scattered, military style, into the ocean. Though we will not be there to watch his wish come true, we know the Navy will take great care of him. Bon Voyage Richard – Daddy – Papa.
A private “military service ceremony” was performed for him at home while he was still with us. We laughed and we cried together. It was wonderful for dad to be honored in person. He was so proud and so moved by the ceremony as we all were.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Evelyn Nordin Hotchkiss; his daughter, Lori Hilton (son-in-law Andy Hilton) his son, David Hotchkiss; sister Edna Hotchkiss; grandchildren Anthony Jay Detrick (his wife Amber Detrick), Jake Alan Detrick and McKenzie Qiao Hilton; great grandchildren Caitlin Mae Detrick, Joshua Jay Detrick and all of his sisters and brothers in-law whom he thought of as his own.
I hat a beautiful tribute to a wonderfully kind man. Our deepest condolences
The Rizzo Family
What a beautiful tribute for a wonderful man. This world has lost a true, gentle soul.
What a beautiful tribute. What an honor and a gift to have such a father, I know you are proud. I also know he will be truly missed, please know our thoughts are with you and your family.
Much love,
The Valentines
Condolences to the entire family. I send prayers of peace and comfort to you all. You were lucky to have such a kind man in your lives. May he rest at sea.
Richard will be greatly missed. He was a major part of my life for many years. He was always so sweet, loving, and helpful. I thank God that my life was blessed by having Richard in my life. I will miss him and loved him very much.
Very nice tribute Our deepest condolences to the Hotchkiss family.
He was a loving Uncle who would do anything for anyone. He will truly be missed. Uncle Richard will always be in my memories. Love you and all ready missing you. RIP.
So sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to have one last Thanksgiving with Richard. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers. I know he’s at peace and will probably meet up with my Dad as we buried him at sea too. They can share boat stories! Love you all.
I would like to say that Richard Hotchkiss is one of the truly best people I have ever met. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was intelligent, kind and a true role model to his family. I am personally thankful for the influence he had on my husband as I believe his influence has helped make AJ the beautiful and loving person that he is. His influence will live on through those he loved. Rest in peace Richard, you will truly will be missed.
Dearest Mrs. Hotchkiss and family,
My Mom and I were just talking about my youth & you guys RE: some great neighbors we were so fortunate to have only about 2-weeks ago. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. All I can say, is that he had a great life. And, that he was a really COOL DUDE. I remember his as always being so calm, sweet and a gentle man. Lori was so lucky to have such a loving and patient Dad. I remember visiting you guys one summer weekend on your House Boat and he took us “Crab Fishing” at night, and, I caught an EEL and a HUGE Blue Claw Crab which I think I gave to him coz I didn’t eat Crab back then… It was a magical experience that I never forgot…
You are all in our prayers. Peace, Light and Love.
RIP Mr. Hotchkiss
Love, Cat Bartik-Sweeney and Kevin Sweeney (and the Bartiks / Gibbs Pond Road, LI
RIP Richard.
What a nice tribute, I will always remember our trips out on the boat and our Holiday dinners, Richard made the best treats. He was a wonderful, kind man. He will be missed.
To my dear sister Evy, my niece Lori, my nephew David and great nieces and nephews. There are no words to express my thoughts. You all are in my prayers. I can still see ” Richie ” at the wheel of his boats. I have many fond memories of the boat rides on the Long Island Sound or the Great South Bay.
I was sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I remember him as being very kind and good to all of his daughter Lori’s friends, myself included. My sympathy, respect and prayers for healing to the entire Hotchkiss family.
He was an amazing man and it is such a terrible loss. We love you
So sorry to hear of your loss our condolences to your entire family. You had many great years together god bless John and Kathy Johnson
RIP Papa
What a touching tribute! Sending my deepest condolences …
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure your Dad will love the way you are celebrating his passing. He was an honorable man and will be laid to rest as an honorable man. I am happy to hear that you were able to share laughs and memories up till the end, we are not all that fortunate. If there is anything I can do please let me know, and know that you are always in my heart.
My condolences to the family. Mr. H was a great guy and I know he loved all of you very much. He will be greatly missed and although nothing can take away the pain of losing him, cherish the memories you have of him and he will live forever in your hearts. Love you all.
I did not know Richard for very long but he made a distinct impression on me. He was a quiet, peaceful man whom I regarded as a friend as well as a neighbor. He will be missed by many of his neighbors.
Through everything you and your husband shared together, the years you loved each other, the warmth and caring between you, you created a special bond that will always be a part of you. Hoping you find comfort now in that very special love, a love that will last forever.
R.I.P. Papa
My dear dad, you have been gone for a month today. Our lives will never be the same without you. I miss you so much? You were the best daddy in the world. I am so lucky to have had you as my daddy. Thanks for letting us know you are still around yesterday while we were in the car. We laughed with you as your Herb Alpert CD played. I love you daddy…always and all ways. Stick around with us. We know you are here. Love, your Pumpkin
P.S. —you know what I got in the mail today. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.