MOHAWK - Richard Obreza, 71, of Mohawk, passed away August 2, 2016, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer with his loving family at his side. He courageously battled brain cancer for the past 16 months. Richard, fondly known as “Dick,” was born on December 16, 1944 in Little Falls, New York, and grew up on The Turkey Farm in Paines Hollow. He is the son of the late Anthony and Amelia Obreza. He graduated from Owen D. Young Central School in 1963, and went on to receive an associate’s degree in Agricultural Science in 1965 from the former Morrisville Agricultural and Tech College, now known as SUNY Morrisville, where he was involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). He started his own business, Richard Obreza Trucking, with one truck in 1971. The company hauls milk around New York State and the Northeast, currently operating with 35 trucks. He was very proud that Richard Obreza Trucking recently celebrated its 45th anniversary. Dick was named Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in 2008. He was an excellent boss, family man, confidante and friend who was loved by so many and respected by all. He was known as a leader and the go-to guy when you needed something done, especially if it involved his front-end loader, bush hog, Massey Ferguson or lawn mowers. He loved to operate heavy machinery and was always in the yard or pole barn fixing something. He was respected in the dairy and milk-trucking industry, with a business model that was second to none. More than 1,000 people attended a 40th anniversary celebration of Obreza Trucking in 2011 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds. One of his favorite sayings was, “Every day is Tuesday.” On January 27, 1973, he married Judith Stoudt, of Easton, Pennsylvania, in Ilion, and they shared a loving union of nearly 44 years. They were fortunate to take several trips together, including Florida, Maine, Alaska, Slovenia, and Tennessee. Dick is survived by his loving wife Judith Obreza; son Matthew Obreza and his wife, Kimberly, and their children Madison, Connor and Brayden; daughter Marjorie Obreza Chetney and her husband, Matthew, and their children Haylee and Jacob; brother Donald Obreza and his wife Marie-Odile; sister Maureen Bonnell and her husband James; sister Sandra Patterson; special cousin Janet Atutis and her husband Peter; brother-in-law Robert Stoudt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Miriam Stoudt; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his step-mother Antonija Obreza; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Paul and Marion Stoudt; his brother-in-law Albert Patterson; and his sister-in-law Carol Stoudt. When the work was done, his true passion was bowling, and he was a member of several leagues in Herkimer, Little Falls and Ilion for more than 40 years. He had one career 300 game and loved to teach the game to anyone who would listen. He participated annually in the New York State Elks Tournament, as well as several tournaments around the area. He was proud to have participated in the United States Bowling Congress National Tournaments around the country. He also loved to golf, but knew he was nowhere as good at golf as he was at bowling. And he was OK with that, as golf meant spending time with family and friends while enjoying a cold beer. He golfed in a league at Holland Heights in Herkimer for several years and loved to play courses around the area with dear friends Ron Duga, Jim Tutty, Chappie Clapper, Jim Bonnell, and Bob Bronner. He also truly loved his Slovenian heritage, having the privilege to visit Slovenia five times. He loved Polka music and you could often hear it blaring from his pick-up truck. He loved to dance to the Polka or any type of music. He enjoyed gatherings where Polka music was played, especially the Mohawk Valley Spring Fling, the “Cornfield” Fall Fest in Fly Creek, and the National Polka Convention in Cleveland, which he and Judith attended annually. He was a proud member of the Herkimer Elks, Sons of the American Legion, and the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club. The family wishes to acknowledge Valley Health Services’ staff, LPNs, and CNAs, especially 1-East, Dr. James Ward and the physical therapists for the outstanding care they showed to Richard throughout the past year. Also, Dr. Mijung Lee and the staff at Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse. Calling hours to honor Richard will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 10AM – 1PM and again from 4PM – 7PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankort), 894-8000. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning, August 8, 2016 at 10AM from the Mohawk Reformed Church, 20 South Otsego Street, Mohawk. Procession will follow to St. Mary’s Cemetery in East Herkimer where Dick will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Nicholas S. Veeder Scholarship for Excellence in Learning at Owen D. Young Central School, 2316 State Route 80, Van Hornesville, NY 13475 OR to Valley Health Services, 690 West German Street, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Richard’s final arrangements were entrusted to Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors. Online condolences can be shared at www.eneafamily.com.