Richard David Olender of Holyoke died unexpectedly on December 27, 2024 at the age of 60. Richard was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to Holyoke with his family at the age of 6 where he attended Holyoke public schools.

Richard was a kind, caring, gentle soul who loved his family. He had a great sense of humor and was very artistic. Family and friends enjoyed listening to him sing and play original music on his guitar. Richard is predeceased by his parents: Edward and Irene Olender of Holyoke. He will be dearly missed by his sisters: Helen Speckels of Huntington; Nina Olender of Holyoke and Florida; and brother, Edward Olender Jr. of Longmeadow. He leaves behind nephews and nieces: Paul Speckels, Stephen Speckels, Christopher Speckels, Sophia Bradley, Nicholas Olender, Olivia Olender, and their families.

The funeral will be held on Saturday January 11 at 9:30am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Cross Church. Burial will be private. Visitation in the funeral home is Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30am