Richard Rocha

Richard P. Rocha, long time resident of Dale City, VA, passed away on Wednesday, September 7th at the age of 84.
Richard was born in San Antonio, TX to Maria and Eliseo Rocha on March 3, 1938. He graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical School in 1957. He married Rosaura Armenta on August 22, 1964 in Washington, D.C. He worked for the US Navy and Department of Justice in the Architectural Engineering Division for 34 years where he eventually retired in 1993.
Richard was a proud veteran of the US Navy, where he served from 1957-1959. He proudly served his country as well as his immediate community through involvement with the Knights of Columbus, the local Democratic Party, the Boy Scouts of America and various local entities which promoted the assistance and advancement of the Hispanic community. He was awarded numerous awards from the U.S Department of Justice and U.S Naval Facilities, for superior work performance; as well as acknowledgements for his service and dedication through the Knights of Columbus, and other local organizations where he was very active.
Aside from his vast drafting, construction and handyman abilities, Richard was an avid artist, wood crafter, cyclist and outdoorsman. He enjoyed painting, drawing and sketching; the broad collection of lively and colorful paintings, which fills his home today, is a testament to this passion. His crafting and mechanical skills amazed everyone who knew him, as there was almost nothing he couldn't fix or improve on the fly with just a few tools and resources at-hand. He was also an avid cyclist and was easily spotted throughout Dale City getting his daily 10-15 miles before starting almost any given day. He restored countless broken bikes he found thrown away or bikes that were given to him and gladly gave them to anyone who needed one. He felt everyone should know the 'joy of riding a bike'.
Richard was a student of life, he enjoyed learning and those who knew him well will attest that reading was one of his favorite pastimes. He had a broad bank of general knowledge, and was an amazing historian who could engage anyone willing to listen with little known facts of almost any given world history subject, noting highlights of that time period with impressive details.
Richard enjoyed learning about family history, detailed and noted information he collected through time about his genealogy. He liked sharing his stories with his children and grandchildren in an effort to highlight the importance of knowing and appreciating their roots and to never forget where they come from.
Richard was a great story teller, dancer and telling silly jokes was a favorite activity, especially when he was around his grandchildren. He enjoyed the simple things of life, good music, good company and his wife's delicious cooking and baking any day of the week. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family every time the opportunity presented itself. He always looked forward to celebrating birthdays and holidays. He also liked to plan the fun of taking his wife out on the town, visit the natural area landscapes, parks, historic attractions, seasonal trails, picnics, annual beach trips; and even Valentine's or New Year's Eve dances at the local VFW, Elks Lodge or the like, where they won several dancing contests.
Richard was a man of great faith, and loved and served God faithfully. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he was a contributing member for decades; and towards his last few years, he attended Holy Family Catholic Church. He was welcoming, giving, helpful, kind and to many people, he was a friend. He befriended countless people from all walks of life, whom he developed long lasting friendships, and many others whom he gladly helped in so many ways. Family and friends who today are greatly saddened by the reality of his departure from this earth.
Richard is preceded in death by his father Eliseo and his mother Maria Palomo Rocha.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Rosaura Rocha, his children: Maria and Sandeep Sagar, Richard and Blanca Rocha; his six grandchildren: Antonio, Isabell, Rohin, Micah, Andres, and Benjamin; as well as his brothers Ben Rocha, Mario Rocha, Ted Hernandez and his sister Raquel Ibilcieta.
Memorials may be given to Mrs. Rosaura A Rocha.
The Rocha family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nurses and physicians of:
* Sentara Healthcare Hospital
* Vitas Health Care
* Needlework Ministry of All Saints Church
* Prince William Medical Center
* Northern Virginia Hematology and Oncology Associates
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