William F. Ochs, Jr.

William “Bill” Ferdinand Ochs, Jr., 72, passed away May 16, 2018 in his Ruscombmanor Township residence, surrounded by his loving wife, three daughters, and dog, Julius.

He was the husband of Luciana “Luci” Rozzi Ochs, with whom he shared almost 35 years of marriage.

Born November 13, 1945 in New Brunswick, NJ, he was a son of the late William F., Sr. and Florence (Steffy) Ochs.

Bill was a graduate of New Brunswick High School, New Brunswick, NJ; Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA; and Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA.

Bill was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1970 and began his successful law career. He served as Chief Public Defender for Berks County from 1975-1993, and continued his private practice in Reading until his death.  He also served as an adjunct professor at Alvernia University for a number of years.

As a youth, Bill achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and continued his humanitarian spirit and commitment to the community as a lifelong member of the Rotary Club and the Masonic Order.

Bill was a passionate dog and horse lover and previously served on the board of the Humane Society of Berks County. He also spent his free time as an amateur “ham” radio operator.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his three daughters:  CDR Jessica A. Rozzi-Ochs (USCG), wife of LT Andrew S. Norberg (USCG)of Alexandria, VA; Elizabeth O., wife of Nicholas T. Lillie of Orefield, PA and Katherine A. Ochs, fiancée of Heath M. Miller of Ruscombmanor Township. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Francesca L. Lillie, daughter of Elizabeth and Nicholas.

Also surviving is his sister, Stephanie Henry of Milltown, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Hyde Park.

Viewings will be held Sunday evening from 5-7 and Monday morning from 8:30-9:30 at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.

Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William F. Ochs, Jr., please visit our floral store.