Richard Olli
MARQUETTE, MI- Richard Matthew Olli, 78, passed away on Tuesday May 19, 2026, at the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette, Michigan where he had been a long-time resident. Richard (Dick) was a life-long resident of Marquette.
Born on March 5, 1948, in Marquette, to Elaine (O’Brien) Olli and Andrew Olli, he was the oldest of seven children.
Dick graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1965 and went to work at the LS&I Railroad with his father, Andrew. He left the railroad for six years while serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Semmes, a naval destroyer homeported in Charleston, South Carolina where he was a sonar technician second-class. At the end of his enlistment, he returned to his job at the LS&I where he worked as a car inspector until his retirement . He loved his railroad job and was extraordinarily devoted to his work both in the navy and at the railroad.
A man of many interests, he enjoyed stream fishing, and hunting in the Grand Marais area where his father was from. He also enjoyed bowling, electronics, chess, politics and was an avid fan of the Tigers and Lions. He owned some beautiful cars and motorcycles. But maybe his keenest interest was in dogs and he seemed never to be without one.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Andrew, two brothers, John and Peter and other beloved family members.
Dick is survived by four siblings, Helen (Riley), Dan, Christopher and Stephen (Barney) Olli, all within the Marquette area and multiple nieces and nephews and other family and friends.
A celebration of his long and fulfilling life is scheduled for the summer of 2027 in Grand Marais, Michigan.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Richard’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com