Richard R. Rotz, 79, of Pottstown, husband of Bonnie L. (Surgeoner) Rotz, passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 at his home in Frederick Living, Zieglerville.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Earl and Aletta (Wamsher) Rotz.
He attended Pottstown Schools and was a member of the graduating class of 1961.
In 1962, Richard joined the U.S. Army until 1965 where he served as a Military Policeman. During his tenure in Ft. Myers, VA, he was one of the MP’s who was selected to guard the grave of President John F. Kennedy after the assassination.
Richard was hired by the Pottstown Police Department in June 1965 and served as a patrolman until being promoted to Sergeant in 1972. During his service in Pottstown, Richard was a member of the Patrol Division, eventually as Sergeant; Crime Control Unit, Traffic Safety Division & Detective Sergeant. While working at Pottstown, he attended Penn State and received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Richard retired from Pottstown Police Department in January of 1999 then worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department for nine years. He also worked part-time for Catagnus Funeral Home.
Richard was a member of the Pottstown Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, the Pottstown Elks Club, and he was an original member of the Pottstown Police Honor Guard. He was an avid runner and also enjoyed playing tennis and basketball and working in his yard. Richard was also actively involved at his church, St. Paul’s, in Stowe. He was also a lifelong Eagles and Phillies fan.
To his family, he was larger than life, never bringing home the problems and stresses he endured during his shifts at work. His grandchildren were so proud of their Pop-Pop for being a Policeman and would always want to see his police car.
His life motto was: “Be safe. Remember to treat everyone as you would want to be treated.”
Surviving along with his loving wife are three daughters: Kelli Myers, wife of Joseph; Kimberlee Stouch, wife of Joshua; and Kayla Leibensperger, wife of James; and five grandchildren: Jordan, Connar, Brenna, Ian, and Quinn.
Along with his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother, David Rotz.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC., 711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Interment will follow at the Police and Firefighters Mausoleum in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00-10:45 AM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to one of the following entities: the Pottstown Police Officers Association, PO Box 813, Pottstown, PA 19464; the Pottstown Area Police Athletic League, 146 King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464; or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.