Thomas Richard Olcese
Of Mundelein, formerly of Arlington Heights

Thomas Richard Olcese was born on December 30, 1931, in Oak Park to Earl and Betty (nee Niehoff) Olcese. He died March 6, 2011, in Mundelein.

Mr. Olcese had a widely respected 50-year career in the packaging industry. He felt each customer and co-worker was a friend. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army and was posted in Europe during the Korean War. Mr. Olcese was a member of Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights for over 40 years. Golfing was one of his greatest joys. He tried to impart his vast knowledge and love of the game to everyone he met on the course. In his storied golf “career” he was twice Club Champion and was thrilled with four holes-in-one.

His greatest joy, by far, was his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary (nee Carey), whom he married on January 26, 1957, in Chicago. The friendship and love they shared was remarkable. He is also survived by his children Tom (Kathy) Olcese, Maribeth (John) Dougherty, Margaret (Steve) Wienckowski, Kathleen (Patrick) Wenstrup, Susan (Michael) Spalding, and Kristie (Geoff) Paul; his grandchildren, John, Bridget, Mary Elizabeth, Patrick and Hannah Dougherty, Timothy, Abbe and Joseph Wienckowski, Colleen, Claire and Margaret Wenstrup, Matthew, Lauren, and Jack Spalding, Brenden, Gillian, Zoe, and Aubrey Paul; and his brothers Robert and John Olcese. “Gramp” felt incredibly blessed every day to love and be loved by each and every one of them. He endeavored to instill in each of them the belief that they are capable of achieving great things.

Mr. Olcese is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation is from 3:00 until 9:00 PM, Thursday, March 10, 2011, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Prayers 10:15 AM, Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., to St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights for Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be given to Advocate Hospice, 365 Surryse Road, Suite #120, Lake Zurich, IL, 60047, Scott R. Scanlan Learning Center at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, Evans Scholars Foundation, Western Golf Association, One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029-0301.

 

Glueckert Funeral Home