Richard Paul Osielski, age 66, a resident of Aurora, IL, died Thursday, March 20, 2014, from advanced stage cancer at Community Nursing and Rehabilitation in Naperville, IL. He was born April 24, 1947 in Albany, NY.

In 1968 Richard graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY where he was captain of the tennis team. He played the trumpet and loved classical and jazz music, performing at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. He served as an Army Reserve medic in the newborn nursery during the Vietnam War. Richard married his wife, Sharon, on July 24, 1971, and they raised their family in East Greenbush, NY.  He served on the leadership and church planting teams at Loudonville Community Church and was an elder at East Ridge Community Church. He was employed by the New York State Department of Equalization and Assessment for 40 years of faithful service, retiring as a principal accountant. Following retirement he and Sharon moved to the Chicago suburbs to spend time with their grandchildren. He was ever in pursuit of the perfect slider hamburger, NY hot dog and Chicago pizza.

Richard was a loving husband, devoted father, and was affectionately known as Poppi to his grandchildren. His positive acceptance of life was rooted in his faith in Christ and love for his family, exemplified by helping others, notably his homeless ministry around the streets of Albany, NY. His gifts of encouragement and generosity were expressed in the way he placed others first above himself.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Osielski of Aurora, IL; his son, David (Anne) Osielski of Warrenville, IL; his two daughters, Jennifer Osielski Volonnino of Geneva, Switzerland, and Jill (Brad) Kane of Norristown, PA; five grandchildren, Peter, Jane, Michael and Jonathan Osielski, and Elijah Kane; his sister, Peg (Bill) Carr; and his sister-in-law Mary Osielski.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Catherine Osielski; and his brother, Joseph Osielski.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. Interment will be private.