Richard C. Bockus

EAST TEMPLETON – Richard C. Bockus, 92, of East Templeton, died Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner. He was born on May 18, 1921 the son of Rubert and Virginia (Mailloux) Bockus.  He grew up in Gardner and moved to Templeton and graduated from Templeton High School.  He was on the undefeated Templeton High School Football team of 1935 and was on the 1936 State Champion Templeton High School Baseball team.   They beat Somerville 2-1 at Fenway Park to win the State Championship. Mr. Bockus was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy Seabees.  He received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Metal, Asiatic Pacific Area Metal with one star and the Good Conduct Medal. He was the Postmaster at the East Templeton Post Office for over 20 years he retired in 1983. He as a communicant of Holy Cross Church where he was very active, passing the basket every Sunday. He was a member of the Otter River Knights of Columbus and was Past Grand Knight.  He was a member of the Otter River American Legion. Richard was an avid golfer, enjoyed skiing, bowling, line dancing and traveling.       He leaves his wife of 67 years Adele (Lesneski) Bockus; two daughters, Sandra Orre and her husband Gerald J. of Rutland and their children Jon Orre of Sterling, Virginia, David Orre of Rutland, Elaine Peterson and her husband Frederic of Worcester; one son, Gary Bockus and his wife Frances of Marcellus, NY and their children Eric Bockus of Syracuse, NY, Neil Bockus of Rome, NY; one brother, Kenneth Bockus of Baldwinville; and many nieces and nephews.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. in Holy Cross Church 25 Lake Ave., East Templeton.  Burial in the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon will be private at a later date. A calling hour will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Holy Cross Church 25 Lake Ave., East Templeton, MA 01438 or to the Activity Fund of Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, 32 Hospital Hill Road, Gardner, MA 01440. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });