NORWICH – Richard R. Oles, 71, of Norwich, went to be with his Lord and Savior and his beloved wife of 51 years on Feb. 3, 2012, in the Wilson Hospital of Johnson City after a short illness.
Dick was born in Walton in May of 1940, the son of Robert and Jeanette Telford Oles. He attended his school days in Walton and was a graduate of Walton High School. On Jan. 16, 1960, he married the love of his life, Beverly Smith, a marriage that was in its 52nd year. Dick started working at GLA of Norwich in 1959, currently GE-Unison Industries, where he was still employed going on his 53rd year.
Dick enjoyed spending time with his wife before her passing. Getting in the car on the weekends, not knowing where they were headed, his question to her was always “Am I turning left or right?” Then they would stop somewhere for a nice dinner. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play in their various sports. You could always count on him to take pictures or videotape any event that the family was having. He enjoyed taking pictures and putting them on CDs to share with his family. He enjoyed his “work” family also, they were a very special part of his life. He was a member of the local George Rider Hook & Ladder volunteer fire department. Dick was a member, as well as a treasurer, for the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church, another family he was glad to be a part of.
Above all else, Dick was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a wonderful role model for all who knew him. He had a positive attitude on life and always tried to make people smile. His family and friends were truly blessed to have him as a part of their lives. He will be missed by many.
Dick is survived by his children: Richard “Rick” Oles and wife Lois of Norwich, Christina Powers of New Berlin, Michele Beadle and her companion Miles Law of Norwich. His eight grandchildren: Sarah Cuzzo and husband Joseph, Chad Brown and wife Jessica, Kyle Beadle and wife Diane, Brett Oles, Lindsey Brown and fiance Mark Ross, Brian Beadle and companion Sarah Stevens, Dillon Beadle and Dakota Nelson. He was also blessed with eight great grandchildren: Mikaela, Jacob, Miah, Michael, Ellie, Caiden, Chase, and Kyra. Dick is survived by his brother, William Oles and wife Doreen of Walton; his sister-in-law, Diane Oles; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bev; parents Robert and Jeanette Oles, and brother James “Jim” Oles.
Memorial services for Dick will be held at noon Friday from the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church. The Rev. Neil Bendixen, pastor, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church on Fri. from 10 a.m. until the service.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.