Richard Boch Sr., a prominent figure in New England’s automotive industry and patriarch of the Boch family, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the age of 95.
Boch played a central role in transforming his family’s modest postwar business, Boch Automotive, into one of the region’s most successful dealership groups. Founded alongside his father, Andrew Boch, and brother, Ernie Boch Sr., the group steadily grew throughout the second half of the 20th century, gaining recognition for high-volume sales, customer loyalty, and a people-first culture.
As a devoted family man, Boch retired to focus on what mattered most to him: time with his wife, Adele Boch, their four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The family home he built in Newbury, Vermont, became a beloved gathering place for over four decades. He was known to his grandchildren simply as “Grampy”—a title that reflected his boundless energy, love of adventure, and joy in making memories.
Boch’s legendary Fourth of July celebrations, complete with dazzling firework shows, reflected his larger-than-life spirit. He also had a lifelong appreciation for gardening and classic cars, finding peace in the outdoors and beauty in engineering.
His personal motto, “Never Quit,” and the guiding words from his father, “Be clean, be courteous, be square,” remained core values throughout his life, both in business and at home. Those principles shaped not just the dealership he helped lead, but also the family legacy he leaves behind.
A celebration of Richard Boch’s life will be held on June 11 from 12–3 p.m. at the Olde Colonial Cafe, 171 Nahaton Street, Norwood, Massachusetts. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
