Richard C. Gockelman, of Auburndale, retired Executive V.P. of International Paper Co., died suddenly Fri. March 16, 207 at Mass General Hospital in Boston. He was 68.
Born and raised in New York, he attended NYU and served in the U.S. Air Force. A longtime employee of Kendall Company, Mr. Gockelman was the founder of the Data Resource Group – a very successful division that focused materials research and development on the data storage industry. Following a posting in Japan, he returned to Boston as his full-time base where he became Vice President of Business Development for the Corporation for Laser Optic Research where he worked to bring next generation technology into our homes. During his professional career, he would be the first to say that he never thought of his occupation as work – but rather as a pursuit of a passion to learn, contribute and be involved in new ideas.
Richard is survived by his wife, Virginia (Davila) Gockelman, and was the loving father of Richard C. Gockelman and his wife Vicky of Newton and Katherine Munz and her husband Jim of Medfield, and the cherished grandfather of Alicia and Richard C. Gockelman II and Alexander Munz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Fri. March 23 at 11:30 AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, Washington St. at Glen Rd. Wellesley. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be in the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home 465 Centre St. Newton Corner on Thurs from 4-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to The Home for Little Wanderers 161 So. Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130.