Richard John Goetsch

Richard John Goetsch born, May 6, 1942, passed away on January 19, 2019. He was born in Cleveland to Charlotte and Walter Goetsch and grew up in Iowa City and Mentor. He graduated from Brown University in 1964.  At Brown, Richard enjoyed membership in the Bruinaires vocal group and nurtured a life-long love of classical and folk music. He received his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1967.  As Managing Counsel for BP (formerly Sohio and Amoco,) Dick practiced antitrust and commercial law in both Cleveland and Chicago.

A reserved and private man by nature, those who knew him appreciated his intellect, integrity, dry wit and unconditional love.  Dick was always game for a new construction or landscaping project, and often enlisted his family’s participation.  He was a true provider for his family and a generous supporter of Cleveland cultural institutions and those needing a helping hand.  Throughout his life he enjoyed travel, concerts, theater and museums.  An avid reader, he particularly appreciated that retirement provided him the time to relax with a “good book” and a glass of wine.

Surviving Richard are his wife, Pamela, sister, Jean Phillips, and brother, Robert Goetsch, children, Sallie Goetsch (Stefan Didak) and Alexander Goetsch (Donna,) and grandchildren, Zachary and Margaret.  Memorial donations may be made to support educational programming at The Cleveland Orchestra,  or Colonial Williamsburg .  No services are planned.

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