Richard F. Ott, age 95, husband of Frances P. (Natale) Ott, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2023. Born on December 10, 1927 in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Daniel and Esther (Wallace) Ott.
Richard was born the second oldest of twelve children. At a young age, he had quit school to help care for his siblings. He then began working as a mechanic with his father. Richard served in the Korean War as a member of the United States Army. After leaving the Army, Richard worked at Tauder Ford in Phoenixville for a period of time before leaving to start his own auto repair shop. Richard would own Dick Ott's Garage for 20 years before turning his business over to his sons, Joe and Tom. Richard's focus then shifted to property renovation and management. He finished renovating his last house at the age of 92, at which point he decided to retire. He instilled his strong work ethic in his children.
In 1946, Richard met Frances Natale on the high bridge in Phoenixville. They recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. They lived in East Pikeland Township for over 60 years in the home Richard built for his family. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his six loving children: Richard R. Ott (Norma) of Fayetteville, NC; Joseph J. Ott of Phoenixville; Thomas W. Ott (Lisa) of Phoenixville; Constance F. Sweigart (David) of Pottstown; Donna O. Gillenwater (Paul) of Spring City; and Jennifer O. Kozak (John) of Phoenixville. Richard had 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many many nieces and nephews. Richard is also survived by sisters, Barbara Gich (Michael) of Maitland, FL and Juli Reynolds of Birdsboro, PA; and brother, Paul Ott of Lancaster, PA.
Richard was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Ellen Trout and son, Robert D. Ott; brothers, Daniel W. Ott, Collin Ott, and James Ott; and sisters, Phyllis Bechtel, Jean Wilson, Carol Jowder, Margaret Williams, and Ruth Hogan.
Richard was deeply loved and adored by his family. He was always excited for family dinner to have everyone gathered together to go home with enough leftovers to feed him for a week. Richard was a deeply religious man and looked forward to meeting the Lord.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral services at Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11am. Officiating will be Pastor Al Kimball of Brick Lane Community Church. Burial will follow in Limerick Gardens. Friends will be received from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the funeral home on Tuesday. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHomes.com