Leszek Ochota St. Michaels, Leszek Ochota, 91, of St. Michaels, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Talbot Hospice House, after a two year battle with cancer. Dr. Ochota was born in the Free City of Gdansk, Pol Read Obituary
My wife, Haydée de Paz Sterling, and I had known Dr. Ochota and his wife since 1969 and we enjoyed our conversations and attending the gala Ochota family celebrations over the years. Though both of our wives predeceased us I continued to go to visit the Doctor, his daughter Halina her husband Ernie and their daughter Juliana in St. Michaels. May God watch over him and Elisabeth Ann.
I met Dr Ochota at the YMCA several years ago. When he learned I was a retired Army officer he began telling me stories of his youth in Poland and then of his fighting in WWII. I was mesmerized by his heroism and deeds during the war. He frequently brought memorabilia to show me of his wartime efforts - photos, medals, documents, etc. He was fascinating. He was also quite funny. Every day when he left the gym, he would salute me with a salute from either the Polish, British, French, Italian or US Armies. He would smile when I started returning the same salute to him. He knew I was a British car collector and asked me if I would take him for a ride in a MG because he loved that model. I promised I would take him for a ride, but only got it back from the shop too late for his ride. His life, including his military experience and professional work should be a source of great pride to his family. He was quite proud of his children and grandchildren. I, too, will miss him.
