Richard L. Botch

Richard Lawrence Botch, 91, of Muhlenberg Township, died December 20, 2024 at Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient for two days.

He was the widower of Barbara Louise (Smith) Botch, who died July 10, 2017.

Born July 2, 1933, in Temple, he was a son of the late Michael and Josephine M. (Buchel) Botch.

Richard was a 1951 graduate of Muhlenberg High School and was a graduate of Lehigh University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Tokyo.

Richard was employed as an electrical engineer with Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA from 1961-1966.  During his time there, he worked on the Polaris missile project where he corrected the navigation system.  After returning to Reading, he worked for Gilbert’s Associates, as an engineer, for several years, before purchasing Chicken Delight, West Reading, later renamed Chicken Supreme, which he ran along with his wife, for two decades.  Richard was also the owner of the Sinking Spring Laundromat and Fink Apartments at 5th and Walnut in Reading.

Richard loved to tinker and fix things.  He was known for making his own instruments and taught himself how to play the piano.  In his later years, he took up painting.

Surviving are his four sons: D. Michael Botch of West Reading; Donald J. Botch, husband of Jacqueline L. (Smith) of Muhlenberg Township; Douglas A. Botch, husband of Ann Marie (Cucinotta) of Muhlenberg Township; and Mark A. Botch, husband of Greg Rosenblatt of Kissimmee, FL.

Also surviving are his nine grandchildren: Ryan; Kevin; Bradley, husband of Emily (Hall); David; Madison, wife of Joshua Ruffner; Mary; Joe; Veronica; and Jarred and three great grandchildren, Paige, Mia, and Isla.

He is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews.

Richard was the youngest, and last surviving, of 10 children born to Michael and Josephine.  He was preceded in death by: Anna (Botch) Gardner, Cora Botch, Petro Botch, Mary Botch, Filomena “Mamie” D’Amico, Anthony Botch, Joseph Botch, Madeline (Botch) Durina, and Lawrence Botch.

A viewing will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Berks Encore (Meals-on-Wheels), 40 N. 9th Street, Reading, PA 19601.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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