EAST FISHKILL – Richard R. Lotze, 79, an area resident since 1967, died suddenly on December 12, 2023 at his home.

Born in Flushing, NY on August 16, 1944, he was the son of Joseph and Hilda (Schraut) Lotze. He graduated from Elmont Memorial H.S. in Elmont, NY and from the State University at New Paltz in 1966. Richard had been employed as a math teacher for the Wappingers Central School District at Van Wyck Junior High School for 34 years until his retirement.

Richard was a devoted member of the Hopewell Reformed Church where he served as an elder, deacon, and usher, sang in the choir, attended Bible Study, and was a member of the Greater Consistory. He was currently serving as the President of the Hopewell Cemetery Association.

Richard was also very involved in the soccer community. He was instrumental in starting the travel teams for the East Fishkill Soccer Club. He coached the 1966 Rangers and 1973 Cobras travel teams. He also was the assistant soccer coach at Marist College for fourteen years He was still serving as a Section One and Section Nine Soccer referee.

On March 20, 1966 in Croton Falls, NY Richard married Faye Boyle who survives at home. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Richard J. Lotze, Denver, CO; Robin and Kevin Frohlich, Redding, CA and William and Karyn Lotze, Schenectady, NY; his grandchildren, Joel, Shannon and Gabriel Frohlich; and several cousins and many friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19th from 4 to 8 PM at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20th at 11 AM at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction. Interment will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hopewell Reformed Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.