Richard "Dickie" Gotz

BOSTON - Richard “Dickie” Gotz passed away surrounded by love. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Swampscott, where he was known as a talented athlete and football player with a larger-than-life personality.

Richard attended Boston University and later enrolled at Boston College Law School. During his second year, his life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Susan. He left law school to begin a life with her, and they went on to share 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Richard was the son of the late Edward and Rose Gotz.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan E. Gotz; his brother, David Gotz of California; his two children, Julie L. Gotz of South Carolina, James D. Gotz of Maine and his wife, Rochelle Bourgault; and his five cherished grandchildren: Zoe, Lily, and Sofia Place of South Carolina, and Margaret and Benjamin Gotz of Maine.

Richard will always be remembered for his energy, humor, and unforgettable presence. To everyone who knew him, he was simply “Dickie.” He was the CEO and Owner of Bigelow Waste Company in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he lived for nearly 70 years and built both a successful business and lifelong friendships. Throughout his life, he was deeply involved in the Jewish community and took great pride in his faith, traditions, and community connections. In the last decade of his life, he and Susan made their home in Boston, where he continued to live life to the fullest.

Richard loved life deeply. He loved his family, his friends, and the many people he met along the way. He was kind, generous, and had a rare gift for making friends wherever he went. His warmth, spirit, and devotion to community will live on in all who were lucky enough to know him.

Services will be private and held for family only. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

Those wishing to honor Richard’s memory may make a donation in his name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care via dana-farber.org/gift.