Richard G. Cichocki, Sr.

Richard G. “Dick” Cichocki, Sr., of Medina, NY, age 89, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 28, 2025, with loving family by his side.

Born in Batavia, December 25, 1935, he was the son of Bertha Cichocki Kopcieowski, and stepfather Henry. Richard was raised on their family farm where he learned the virtue of being a hard worker at an early age – a trait that has inspired generations.

Richard married his first wife, Irene Budzynski of Batavia and in 1960 the couple moved to Medina. Richard operated Cichocki’s Esso Station located at 142 E. Center Street with his cousin, Stephen and soon after started his own auto and truck repair business around the corner at 509 Church Street.

In 1965 Richard started Orleans Construction Company from his residence on Ridge Road, Ridgeway, where Richard and Irene also raised five children. While the construction company operations continued, Cichocki Truck Leasing was later added in the 1970’s through the 1980’s and in 2015, Richard and his son, Reg added Orleans Ready Mix, LLC.

In 1987, Richard married his second wife of almost 40 years, Velma Waterson Lacy. Together, they built and operated Captain Kidz Ice Cream Stand and Restaurant up until 2005 when it was then purchased by Justina Ohol, whom Richard warmly welcomed as being part of the family.

In his spare time, Richard cherished moments spent with his children and grandchildren, attended equipment auctions throughout the region, and restored and displayed his fleet of classic Ford cars and trucks. Playing poker and euchre on local leagues was Richard’s favorite sport, and he often traveled to Las Vegas with his wife Velma.

Mr. Cichocki was a former member and past president of the Lyndonville Lions Club. For his church, St. Joseph’s Parish in Lyndonville, he could be seen as the “carnival barker” selling raffle and 50/50 tickets at their annual lawn fete to raise funds for the church.

Richard’s life was a testament to his perseverance, hard work and loving generosity and leaves behind his five children, Richard G. Cichocki, Jr., Lisa (Elaine) Cichocki-Lalka, Charlene (Pat Kelly) Cichocki-Walsh, Randall Cichocki and Reginald Cichocki; stepdaughters, Cheryl (Jim) Hoffman and Karen (Bob Fox) Carlton. Grandchildren include Richard Swierczynski, Kelly and Patrick Walsh, Chelsea and Erica Cichocki, Tyler and Tanner Waldriff, Jordan (Savannah) Heye, Nicole (Patrick Pollard) Carlton, Melissa (Josh Stockwell) Carlton; and several great grandchildren. Richard was additionally blessed with longtime neighbors Lynn & Roger “Duffy” Plummer, whom Richard affectionately referred to as “The Good son”.

Richard is predeceased by his loving wife, Velma Cichocki; daughter in-law, Patricia Cichocki; and his former wife, Irene Cichocki.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 4-8PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center Street, Medina. His funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 at 11AM at Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, 12111 Ridge Rd., Medina. Inurnment at the Cichocki Columbarium, Bates Road Cemetery will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: The Center for Discovery Attn: Development Office, P.O. Box 840 Harris, NY 12742; the Orleans Community Health Foundation, 200 Ohio St., Medina NY, 14103 or to a charity of one’s choice.